I've been duped! HELP! what do I do now?

I received an e-mail saying that I was accepted into this secretshopper program and being in the financial situation that I am, I gave him my home address. Within a couple of days they sent me an envelope containing a USPS money order for $975 and instructions. I actually followed the instructions and went and cashed the money order at my local bank, I deposited $150 and cashed the rest out. With money-in-hand I went to Walmart and spent $50 and then took the rest and wired it via moneygram. The USPS money order looked absolutely authentic and the fact that I turned it into cash reinforced my belief. This happened just this past Monday (Oct 8 2012).

Today I received not one but FOUR more of the same type of money orders and before I even got suspicious I went and cashed two of them at my bank, this time I deposited $300 per the instructions but there was some trouble with the teller, she was having trouble verifying the money order but eventually finished the transaction. During the trouble she was explaining that the USPS money order is the most fraudulent of all the transfers which flipped a switch in my head and I started to get suspicious and now after some research I am convinced I've fell prey to a scam.

So what the heck happens now? Will these money orders eventually "bounce" and will I be responsible for the lost money? I've already sent the cash out! They were not checks but I did sign the back of the money orders to cash them. I am now extremely concerned as I barely make ends-meet as it is and will not be able to afford to pay this money back!

The addresses provided have all been in the states: first one came from Atalanta, GA and the moneygram was wired to Chapel Hill, NC; the second came from Milton, FL and to be forwarded to Greenville, NC; both to the name of Richard Allman. I still have two of the four money orders and with further inspection and research I've deemed these to be fraudulent, my hat goes off to the counterfeiters because they look absolutely authentic, I digress.

I have limited phone access as my cellphone talk plan is very, very low but tomorrow being a Saturday I will begin blowing the whistle and following the report guides found on this site. In the meantime I've posted here for some consolidation in hopes that someone here will let me know that I won't be responsible for the money and/or shed some light on whether a money order can bounce.

Hello vape,

I am very sorry to hear you were scammed and I wish I had better news for you. The bank will eventualy find out the checks were fraudulent and you will be responsible for paying all the money back and possible fees. I would recomend printing out all of the emails between you and the scammer. This will help with proof you were unwillingly involved with the crime. The money you sent the scammers is long gone.


Please do post the scammers information. This will help others avoid the scammer.

Justin

Basically a money order is like a cheque. Adding to the comments of Justin - If you suspect fraud, call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and they will offer good advice.
From my understanding a fraudulent money order will bounce. The reason is there is no money, or not enough money, to cover the money order. If that makes sense!
One form of money order fraud involves purchasing a valid money order for a small amount, such as one dollar, and then doctoring the face of the money order to reflect a larger amount. Another form of money order fraud involves printing and cashing counterfeit money orders.
On the other hand, a legitimate money order should not bounce as they are safer than cheques.

Vape,

i currently have 4 of those money orders to be sent to Robert Allman IN NC. Yes you were duped. I made the guy call me. The name George Bristol is who signed my emails. The "George Bristol that called me was very heavily accented and was " Completely in shock and surprised" This has happened. BUT not enough to cover costs So basically...you will owe that money back. Hands down.

Hope this helps

Em

yes! that a-hole george also called me! heavily accented, called me from 650-754-5534

i exclaimed to him that i have notified the police and thanked him for providing a phone number to add to the police report. obviously the number is likely false but it was nice to tell the guy off for 3minutes live.

The telephone number 650-754-5534 is a magic jack number which meas the scammer could be located anywhere in the world that has a high speed internet connection.