False threats

A woman reported receiving a message from an unknown person on Instagram asking her to be a muse for an art project. After agreeing, she received a text message from the scammer telling her she would receive $2,500 but requested $500 for supplies. When she refused, the scammer emailed her a $400 check and asked her to send it back. After depositing the check, she received a threatening text from another number with a photo of an injured person, demanding repayment via Zelle. The woman complied but discontinued communication with the scammer and contacted police.