<prompt> Human: HiI was going through craigslist ads looking for work and I seemed to get a bite on one of my hooks. The email seemed a little funny and vague but I really could use the money. The person claimed it was a position at an obscure but real and respected association. A few days later I got a check in the mail, with no letter, but an email explaining I should do X Y Z, deposit the money in my account, keeping 500, and ping the person emailing me once I have. I assume this is some money laundering operation Ive found myself in, except I actually have a valid check for a good chunk of change and I wasnt able to back out before I caught on and the money was in my hands. I have since reported this fraudulent usage of the corporations name and interests to the actual company. I live on the East Coast of the USA.What do I do with the check? I could really use the money. What happens if I cashdeposit it? Am I safe if I never write back to the fraudster? Should I go to the police? I apologize if this is the wrong subreddit. I couldnt think of another to try.  <response>: the way this scam works is as follows: you cash bad check, you withdraw money, you send money off, your bank gets upset about bounced check, removes money from your account, you no longer have the money to return to your bank, you end up hosed... for the large figure of Check-500 Dont deposit the check 