TIFU by accepting to use my photo for an art competition and then getting death threats

I’ve been a long-time listener and lurker, and this is my first post. And I’m sharing it as a warning so others don’t mess up like I did. Leaving it a little vague to protect myself as it's still ongoing.

I’m a 25-year-old college student, and one day, while counting pennies to survive the week on a negative bank balance, I got a message from someone claiming they wanted to use my photo for an art commission. They promised I’d get a framed copy and $500 from a $2.5K commission. Desperate for money, I agreed and gave them my email and phone number so they could “pay” me.

They texted me at night while I was sick, so I wasn’t thinking clearly and didn’t see the red flags. Later, their “client” contacted me, confirming who I was and saying they would email me a check. I was excited, thinking, “yay, $500!” The first check they sent was less than $500, which didn't raise any red flags. I deposited the first check, and immediately, the “client” started pressuring me to transfer the money back to them. I couldn’t because my bank wouldn’t let me, but they kept calling (which I didn't answer as I didn't want them to hear my voice) and texting nonstop, demanding I send the money.

Against my better judgment, I accepted a second check, totaling around $600, but still couldn’t send the money back despite their constant yelling and pressure. That’s when I realized something was wrong. I suspected they were using me for money laundering or check fraud, so I went to my bank and explained everything. The bank confirmed the checks were fraudulent, and we contacted the issuing banks and their fraud departments. They advised me to file a police report to protect myself and keep a record in case it falls back on me, which I did.

Meanwhile, the scammers kept spamming me, demanding to know why I wasn’t responding, and I reported all of this to the police and the bank. On the third day of ignoring them, I got a message from a new number claiming to be an assassin, threatening to kill me and my family if I didn’t “return the money.” They sent a video of themselves pointing an assault rifle at the camera and another video of them allegedly killing someone. I was terrified, shaking, and felt like I couldn’t breathe.

I called the detective on my case, who told me to contact dispatch immediately. Officers came to my house, took another statement, and set up close patrols around my home for safety. I also reported it to the uni's police to make sure that I cover all my bases and protect myself the best I can.

Since then, I’ve lost my bank account, have a bad mark on my credit, and my family found out, scolding me for not telling them sooner. It’s been weeks, but I still feel paranoid, constantly looking over my shoulder, scared for my life.

Please make sure you vet all people who call or text you and don't get sucked into a situation like I did

TL;DR: I agreed to let someone use my photo for a paid commission, ignored red flags, got caught in a check fraud scam, and when I stopped responding, I received death threats and videos from scammers. I’m now dealing with financial and emotional fallout and fear for my safety.