Royal National Winnings Ripoff Madrid Spain

I enter many contest and sweepstakes so I wasn"t really suspicious until the phone I was to call was not legitmate I contacted the company the check was drawn on they told me it was from there but not authorized by them, thats when the red flag went up I have contacted everyone and I have documented everything

I just want to understand what goes through people's minds when they receive something like this.

First, had you entered any type of contest in Madrid that would lead you to believe that yoou had won anything? Wasn't that alone a red light?

This scam has been going on for years, I am just amazed that people still fall for it (as is evident by the fact that it is still around).

Second, at this point, you should be fearing more than terrorism. Since the check you deposited is a fake, your account is more than likely going to be frozen by the bank and any access to your legitimate funds may be impossible.

Hopefully after contacting the FBI, you contacted your bank. If not you should before they contact you about the fake check. Just as a suggestion, contacting the bank first will help in your defense should you be criminally charged by the bank with theft and fraud.
Hopefully you haven't spent or sent out any of the 36K. The bank will want it back. And they'll want it from you.

If you have a friend or a relative who is an attorney it may be wise to consult them.