I am a victim of an internet scam which has resulted in my…

Hello,

My name is XXXXX XXXXX I can assist you with this matter.

I'm sorry to hear that you're the victim of an internet job scam.

There's no way to say this except to put it straight out there. What you were doing, unbeknownst to you, was aiding your so-called employers in laundering illegal funds through your bank account. No legitimate employer ever processes its funds through its employee's personal account. That is always the sign of a scam. The checks will always bounce, and you will find yourself at the least liable to your bank and sometimes find yourself being charged with bank fraud besides.

Because of agreements made to facilitate international and domestic commerce banks must give you access to funds you deposit within 48 hours. But that doesn't mean the check has actually cleared.

Scammers will ask for a quick wire payment so that by the time your check bounces (if they play with the routing codes it could take weeks) the money you have drawn out to send them is long gone. Unfortunately, because the bank is required to give you your money before clearance, the laws protect the bank and not you. Account holders are 100% responsible for the overdraft when this check bounces because the law says they are responsible for everything they deposit into or withdraw from their account.

Along with the FBI at their Internet Crimes Complaint Center at IC3.gov , you need to report this scam to your local police and to the Federal Trade Commission at IC3.gov.

As to the bank, they will likely sue you if you don't repay the overdraft. I have also seen them turn such matters over to the prosecutor, and though you are the victim of a scam and can likely prevail, you would have to hire a criminal lawyer and fight the charges.
but in view of the fact that you asked repeatedly whether the check had fully cleared, you ought to quickly contact a local lawyer and see if you can get the bank to lift the hold against your funds on the basis of their clerk's negligence.

I am very sorry to be the bearer of bad news.