What can I do if my money order was stolen and cashed? (2024)

What can I do if my money order was stolen and cashed?

If the money order has already been cashed, you probably won't get your cash back or a replacement money order. But you might still be able to collect. The provider might give you a photocopy of the cashed money order. If you think it was cashed fraudulently, alert your local law enforcement.

Can a cashed money order be traced?

When you purchase a money order, the issuer should provide a receipt with a tracking or serial number that can verify if it has been cashed or deposited. Senders can submit details from the receipt through the issuer's website or automated phone line to track the money order.

How do I get a refund for a stolen money order?

You might be able to request a stop payment, though not all money issuers offer cancellation. You can ask the issuer to issue a replacement check or refund your money. Most issuers will require a fee and will have a waiting period for replacing or refunding a money order. File a police report.

Can a cashed money order be reversed?

If the money order has been cashed, you won't be able to get a refund, but you can request the details of who cashed it and where, so you can take the details to the police.

Can you get your money back from a money order you didn t use?

It's best if you have a receipt from your original money order purchase. If successful, the issuer should return funds to you, often within about 60 days. The sooner you act, the better: If the money order gets cashed or deposited, you'll have a much harder time getting your money back.

How do I get money back from an uncashed money order?

Can money orders be traced if stolen?

If you believe your money order is lost or stolen, you will have to fill out the proper type of form and mail it in to trace your money order. For USPS money orders, visit a USPS location and ask for a PS Form 6401 Money Order Inquiry. You will need a valid photo ID and a fee of $6.10 to issue the request.

How do I find out if a money order has been cashed?

Customers wanting to find out if a money order has been cashed may go online to USPS.com to check the status. They will need to enter the money order serial number, Post Office number, and issued amount—all printed on the money order receipt—in order to obtain near real-time status information.

What happens if you steal a money order?

Shall be fined under this title [1] or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

How long does it take to get a refund for a money order?

Money order refunds can take up to 30 days to be completed.

Can banks refund money orders?

The issuer may be able to replace or refund the lost money order. If your money order hasn't been cashed, the issuer might be able to cancel it. Be prepared to provide details, including the money order's tracking number, purchase date and amount, as well as the receipt, if possible.

How do you trace a money order?

The main way to track your money order is through the provider. The company's name will be on your receipt as the “issuer” and is typically your bank, USPS or a money-sending business. The provider isn't a reseller or a third party, like a supermarket or convenience store.

How do I cash a money order made out to someone else?

The original payee must sign the money order over to you before you can cash a money order that's made out to someone else. The process is the same as signing over a check. The payee must sign their name and write "Pay to the order of [your first and last name]" on the endorsem*nt line on the back of the money order.

How long is an uncashed money order good for?

Can a money order expire? While a cheque can become stale-dated after six months, a money order doesn't expire. The funds for the money order are secured in a separate account until they're negotiated or used.

What happens if you lose a money order without a receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, fill in as much information as you can. You might also be asked for the name of the person or company you were paying and a brief description of how the money order was lost. Step 3: Attach a copy of the receipt, if you have it. Step 4: Submit the cancellation request form and pay a fee.

How long does it take Western Union to refund a money order?

Usually, if the money orders haven't been cashed yet, then they can expect to receive their refunds within 30 days or less. However, if the money orders have already been cashed, then Western Union might require an investigation to be conducted into the money orders.

Can a Western Union money order be tracked?

You can use the Western Union money order tracking service to track your Western Union money online. You will need the MTCN, or the sender's phone number, and the send or receive amount.

Are money orders tracked by IRS?

For individual cashier's checks, money orders or traveler's checks that exceed $10,000, the institution that issues the check in exchange for currency is required to report the transaction to the government, so the bank where the check is being deposited doesn't need to.

How do I get a replacement money order from Western Union?

If you do not have the Money Order receipt please complete a Money Order Research Request form. The form may be obtained by calling 1- 800 -999-9660 or at www.westernunion.com. 3. Enclose $15.00 non-refundable processing fee for each request.

Can anyone cash a money order?

To cash a money order, you'll need to first endorse it by signing your name on the back. You will also need to provide identification no matter where you're cashing your money order. If you don't have any ID, you can endorse the money order to someone else, like a sibling or friend, who does have an ID.

Does a money order guarantee payment?

Money orders offer a way to send guaranteed payments to others for a small fee. They're handy if you don't have a bank account and don't have access to other convenient payment methods, like Zelle®, the Citizens mobile app* and personal checks.

How do I put a money order back into my bank account?

If you want to deposit a money order instead of cashing it, you can deposit it at a branch or through an ATM.

Do banks report money orders?

Although money orders and traveler's checks are considered the same as cash, it's up to the bank or institution that issues them to file Form 8300.

Can I mobile deposit a money order?

While many checks can be deposited with your phone, there are a few exceptions. Most personal, business and government checks are eligible, but other cash equivalents like money orders or savings bonds may not be. International checks may not always qualify either.

How anonymous are money orders?

I don't want them to know who I am. Yes. You can't send an anonymous check, because checks by their nature have names and account numbers on them, but you can send a money order, which is basically an anonymous check for all intents and purposes.