That's what everybody says. I wonder if they would say that again after they had spent months trying to collect on a lost one...and this...
- U.S. Postal Service: If your stolen or lost money order is through USPS, you can check the status of it online. But if you want it replaced, you have to go to your local Post Office in person. You’ll fill out and submit a “Form 6401 Money Order Inquiry” and pay a $5.95 processing fee. The Postal Service says once you’ve submitted the form, check their Missing Money Order List (link to download at the bottom of this page ) to see if your money order’s serial number is on there. Once they’ve determined your order’s status, you’ll be issued a replacement. However, keep in mind that you’re not guaranteed a full refund on a stolen or lost money order if you don’t have a receipt for it.
What happens next?
If your lost money order was through the USPS, you’ll receive a letter letting you know if you’re eligible for a replacement money order (while they won’t refund a lost money order, you can make the replacement out to yourself and cash it). But you have to go back to your local post office in person to receive it.
If you needed to get those funds to someone urgently, it may be wise to purchase another money order in the meantime since it could take a while to get your replacement or refund.
If your lost money order has been cashed, ask for a copy from the issuer
If your stolen or lost money order has already been cashed by an unintended recipient, you might not be able to get the funds back. If it has been cashed, it’s common for issuers to provide you a photocopy of the cashed money order (if not, you can ask for one). This document lets you see who endorsed it, and if it’s someone who stole the money order, you can report it to law enforcement and provide them with this document so they can try to track down and prosecute the thief.
If the lost money order was blank, that means anyone can sign and cash it, making it harder for you to ever get that money back. But if it was addressed to someone and a different person cashed it, you may be able to get a refund since the bank didn’t properly verify the identity of the recipient.
How to keep your money order safe
Losing a money order is a headache, and as you now know, can result in a total loss of those dollars. If you want to make sure this never happens to you again, try these tips next time:
- Always save your receipt: Having your money order receipt can go a long way in speeding up the cancellation process, and some issuers won’t replace a money order or provide a full refund without one.
- Deliver your money orders carefully: One way to help prevent lost money orders in the future is to hand-deliver them or mail them. MoneyGram advises against leaving them in a drop box or anywhere they can easily be taken.
- Never leave the recipient field blank: If your money order is lost or stolen, it’s easier for someone to get away with it if they obtain a blank money order. You’re more likely to recoup the funds if it’s cashed by someone other than the indicated recipient, so fill out that field immediately (and with a black pen that won’t rub off).
No wonder my bank doesn't want to deal in Money Orders.