Re: Counterfeit Cashiers Check

This scam takes advantage of a little-known loophole in the U.S. banking system. Many people don't realize that when a bank says funds have cleared, it doesn't mean the check is good, according to Carol McKay, director of communications for the National Consumers League.

Under federal law, depending on the type of checks deposited, banks must give consumers access to the money within one to five days. Longer holds can be placed on deposits over $5,000, but banks are reluctant to inconvenience their customers.

Unfortunately, it can take weeks for fake checks to be detected in the banking system. And consumers are then left holding the bag for the money they've withdrawn. That's because it's the depositor, not the bank, who is responsible if a check turns out to be bad.

If you found this site seeking legal advice, you probably could have found any of the hundreds of Internet sites describing this scam and providing warnings. A stranger entrusting you with $6,000 more than an agreed price for an item would seem too good to be true. And, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.