I think this is properly identified as phishing. There are at least two flies in the ointment with this arrangement.
1. The check you receive will not clear the bank it was drawn on.
2. Even if it did, the Feds would not look kindly on you screwing them out of 18% in revenues.

It might be fun to go along with him and see what occurs. Tell him that you will proceed with the arrangement, with the caveat that you will have to wait 30-60 days to send the money, in order for the check you receive to clear the bank it was drawn on.

Anybody here up to it?