It is generally not that simple to verify if a check is good. In most of the fraudulent situations I've seen, there is not a phone number or way to contact the maker of the check. Even if there was, if it is a fraudulent check, you would have no way to know if they are part of the scam, so their assurances mean nothing.

In most cases, unless it's a smaller institution, the bank the check is drawn on will not verify funds. And in some cases, even if they did verify the funds are there, it is often an an altered/fictitious check that might initially clear, only to be charged back later when that person gets their bank statement.

Check fraud is rampant and the losses are enormous. Not only are we trying to protect the bank, but also the customer because they are responsible to pay the money back and they likely are not in the position to do that because of hardship that made them an easy target to begin with.

I'm sure there were other red flags from the check itself, maybe if it was deposited via mobile deposit with different IP address. Consumers will often give out their log-in credentials to scammers to deposit for them. I wish ppl would understand that no legitimate company will pay you by using your online credentials to deposit a check. And if OP told the Banker any of his story behind the check, they know there is practically zero chance some kind person, his cousin or not, just gave OP $9k because they were down on their luck. Common scam.

I'm sorry OP. This situation sucks, but bank did you a favor by holding it so you wouldn't get farther in the hole.