To answer your question, a fraudulent check will clear if (1) the bank makes an error and does not verify the check and (2) the check uses a real routing number. The bank should have verified the check first to make sure it wasn’t fraudulent. It would’ve been apparent even if the routing number was real because they would’ve called the other bank and been notified it was an illegal transaction.
They clear because they are counterfeit. A counterfeit check using the name, address and account number of a REAL valid bank account. It clears becasue that account exists and there is money in the account. But it's not until the real payee is balancing their checkbook when they get their next statement that they notice a check out of sequence or that they didn't write. That could be 4-5 weeks from now. That's when they notify the bank who notifies your bank who withdraws the money from your account. Sometimes the real payee checks their online banking daily or weekly and they notice the counterfeit check sooner.
If anyone gave you a fake check you MUST go to the police right away and inform them. You could be arrested as an accomplice if you do not report this as you endorsed the check. You now know that it's fake which is why you need to file a police report against the person who gave you the fake check
all too often these fake checks actually go thru the system but when they are found to be without basis, the amount will come back to your bank account and be withdrawn, assuming you and your friends took funds out of the bank after the check was processed
You were scammed, by very savvy scammers.
They aren't - they bounce.
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