[Jewelry making - Article 00854] - Re: [Orchid] Experience with USPS Money Order

[Carol J. Bova]

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    The 'out of the blue' and hurry up are red flags to me. 

    Given the fact that the USPS has a list of missing money orders
    posted that's quite long, personally, I wouldn't do it unless I knew
    the person well. The link to the list of 'hot' money orders is on
    the same page as the info below, and there is a number to call if you
    have questions about accepting USPS money orders. 

    Carol
    Carol J. Bova

    http://www.usps.com/missingmoneyorders/security.htm 

        Things to check for to ensure a Money Order is authentic. Postal
        Money Orders are safe to use because they have many security
        features that help distinguish between real and counterfeit
        notes. Just like our own U.S. currency, they are specially
        designed with different colored inks, watermarks, and security
        thread in the paper. 

        How to tell if it's official 

        Hold the money order up to the light and look for the following
        security features: 

        Ben Franklin images (watermarks) repeated on the left side (top
        to bottom). A dark security thread running (top to bottom) to
        the right of the Franklin watermark, with the tiny letters "USPS"
        facing backward and forward. 

        If either of these security features is not present when the
        money order is held up to the light, you are holding a fraudulent
        Postal Money Order. 

        Also be aware that Denominations are indicated on two locations.
        Discoloration of the denomination amounts indicates erasure
        (fraudulent). Maximum value for domestic postal money orders is
        $1,000. Maximum value for international postal money orders is
        $700. (Maximum for Canadian money orders is $1,000) 

        Notice 299 take-ones (highlighting money order security features)
        are available to order from the Topeka Materials and Distribution
        Center (1-800-273-1509). Or, you can download the Notice 299
        (pdf) (htm)(May 2005). 

        December 2004 USPS News Release warning about the online fraud
        scam. (pdf) (htm) If you have questions about accepting Postal
        Money Orders, call your nearest U.S. Postal Inspection Service99
        Office or Post Office99. Call the fraud hotline at
        1-800-372-8347 (Monday-Friday) or visit
        www.usps.com/postalinspectors for additional information.
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