possible fraud?

[allyasia]

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showfl...part=3&vc=1
after reading the above thread....
currenty i'm renting out my basement to someone.
that is sending money order from the US.
they will sent first month/ last month plus air ticket fee.
they ask me to cash it first, then ask me to sent the air ticket money via wester union to her in africa......because her dad work in africa.
this is a fraud right?
how do i protect myself?

[scott1]

This is a definite scam don't agree to act as an intermediary.

From Craigslist scam page -

*****
2. distant person offers a genuine-looking (but fake) cashier's check

* you receive an email (examples below) offering to buy your item, or rent your apartment, sight unseen.
* cashier's check is offered for your sale item, as a deposit for an apartment, or for just about anything else of value.
* value of cashier's check often far exceeds your item - scammer offers to "trust" you, and asks you to wire the balance via money transfer service
* banks will often cash these fake checks AND THEN HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE WHEN THE CHECK FAILS TO CLEAR, including criminal prosecution in some cases!
* scam often involves a 3rd party (shipping agent, business associate owing buyer money, etc)

*****

In fact, with money orders, it's even easier. I've read that there's a way to cancel them AFTER the money has appeared on an account statement. So you think the cash is there and pay for the plane ticket. The Money Order is canceled and you are out the cost of the ticket.