Is it bad ?  

scam!
I work for a finanical instituation, and yes, it does sound scammy. Be very wary of accepting funds, it happens almost daily that we have someone deposit fraudelent cashiers cheques or money orders. Generally the scam is that they accidently send too much and ask for the diffrence to be sent back to them, you deposit, and send the differnce back. The cheque takes days to clear and when it comes back as fake youre out of luck!
Edit- we must have posted at the same time! Glad you didnt get taken! (and hello from Bellingham Wa!)
...and since your close, any interest in trading a table for some shell chairs? I have a stockpile but no table!