Bad check responsibility

In California, I was victim to an internet scam. The end result was I received a check which I deposited to my checking account. I never had any contact with the maker of the check. All arrangements were made by the scammer. After waiting the 10 business days for the check to clear, I was instructed to wire the funds to pay for fees and other expenses in order to obtain an inheritance. About a week after the check had cleared, my bank was notified that the check was being returned as fraudulent not forged. The check is for more money than I have or can possibly repay. What is my legal responsibility?

By law the depositor normally is responsible--but you could try threatening to sue them in small claims or other court--you can in some cases argue that they made a separate agreement with you when they said the funds were cleared and the check was okay...you relied on this agreement made between you and the bank employee...

See also -- http://www.worldlawdirect.com/articl...eck_scams.html