How to Tell if a Money Order Is Good
When you receive a money order, you should inspect it for legitimacy before cashing it in. Attempting to cash or deposit a fraudulent money order could land you in trouble with your bank, leading to additional charges you can't afford. Whether you've received the money from a random company claiming they want you to mystery shop for them, or as payment from someone for services or goods, protecting yourself before you cash in can save you time, hassle and money.
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Instructions
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1
Hold the money order up to a bright light. According to the U.S. Postal Service, legitimate security features can be identified when holding a postal money order up to a light source.
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2
Check the left-hand side of the money order for a repeated watermark image of Benjamin Franklin.
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Confirm that a vertical thread appears just to the right of the Benjamin Franklin watermark and weaves vertically throughout the entire money order. This thread is multicolored and has the letters USPS marked throughout the thread.
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4
Check that the denomination of the money order is printed in both places it should appear. Denominations should be printed in the upper-right corner and across the denomination line. If one of the denomination imprints is missing, or if they are out of place, the money order is counterfeit.
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Analyze the denomination amount for signs of discoloration of the amount printed on the money order. This could be an indication that the amount was erased and altered.
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Review the color of the money order. U.S. money orders are printed in green, yellow and blue, while international money orders are printed in pink, yellow and gold.
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Confirm the denomination of the money order. The maximum limit for U.S. money orders is $1,000, and the maximum limit on international money orders is $700. If the amount on the money order exceeds the amount, it may be fraudulent.
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Tips & Warnings
Combine all tactics to validate the legitimacy of a money order, rather than relying on one or two factors. Many fraudulent money orders are almost indistinguishable from legitimate money orders and it is sometimes only a small mistake that confirms it as a fake.
