If this gentleman can write you a check drawn on a US bank, then that check is backed up by an account and routing number. Which means he can directly wire-transfer funds to his cohort in England. Or HE could cash his own check and wire away to England. Wise move to back away. It's funny how some people think how stupid we are... it's sad that some also fall for it by sheer greed or misplaced good will.
A new ploy for fraud?
I recently got an inquiry on one of my ads (not here on Audiogon but on another site) for a pair of interconnects. After a few emails back and forth, we agreed on the price of $90. The prospective buyer then said he is in England and would like to propose an (unusual!) payment method. He said someone in the states owes him $3000, so he will ask this guy to send me a check for $3000, I am to cash the check and then WIRE him the difference ($2910 in this case). Of course I said thanks but I deal in cash. I never heard from him again. Has anyone experienced this?