text: can i be held responsible for cashing a fake check? i just got  a phone call from checksmart in columbus ohio informing me that i cashed a counterfiet check.  they demand payment of $3,800. by friday the 11/24/06 by noon or they will issue a warrent for my arrest can they do this since i didn't know it was a lottery scam.  i wired $3720.00 to the person i was supposed to and now i don't know what to do i can't go to jail but i can't pay the money back because i am 8 mos. pregnant and don't have a job and my husband only makes enough for us to get buy, i told checksmart that i would be willing to make payments until it is paid off but they said no.  can someone help me please what a horrible situation. i'm sorry that you are going through all this while the people who made that check are still out there and doing it to others. my husband recently sent me a money order to put some money in my account and at first i was mad that the bank said they have to put a 20 day hold on it. now i understand because there have been so many scams. i would try talking to a lawyer. most will talk to you for free over the phone and let you know if they can help you or not.