In a typical counterfeit money order con, the person selling an item is sent counterfeit postal money orders that together amount for more than the cost of the item being paid for. International Postal Money Orders are printed in pink, yellow, and gold and cannot exceed a value of $700. Unfortunately, the USPS could not verify my identity, even though I’ve had the same phone number for a decade and the same mailing address for two years. Bogus financial instruments have been used over and over again in many different flavors of the same basic Internet scheme. I should have followed my gut. I responded back and expressed concern with very large shipping amount – text is full of grammar and spelling and after ?? However, if you knowingly cash a fraudulent check, you are committing the crime of fraud. Postal service money orders do not exceed $1,000, so U.S. The buyer then asks the seller to keep the cost of the purchase and ship back the difference between what was sent and what was owed, in cash, along with the merchandise. The lack of consumer common sense has led to counterfeit U.S. As a precaution, check the amount. You will need a valid photo ID and a fee of $6.10 to issue the request. The people arrested were suspected of deliberately receiving counterfeit U.S. I just recently had the same scam pulled on me and almost fell for it I put my Bowflex on Craigslist for 450.00 and got a response within 1 hour from a Richard via text offering to buy, to make a long story short he is sending a cashiers check usps for 2100.00 which I am supposed to keep my 450.00 once the check is cleared and then he will send me info on where to send the rest for the moving company he has arranged to pick up the Bowflex. Geeze it’s a broken down truck and parts only salvage. Postal Service money orders in exchange for items their selling on places like eBay or Craigslist. On its website, the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides a guide to spotting fake USPS money orders. What was your best solution? If you think you’ve been given a fake money order, call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822. Then u won’t have a thing to worry about!!-. The scammer mails a fake money order as payment for a purchase, but before you have time to ship the item (or even receive the money order in the mail), they email to say a financial emergency is forcing them to renege on the purchase. When I receive I am to keep my $300 for the sofa, plus $50 for “my trouble” and then they will provide me with instructions for shipper.. Anyone know how this one works?? I had the same thing happen to me but cashed the checks as I had multiply items for sale and told them I was gonna wait until funds cleared well they did but won’t give me there address to ship the stuff and instead want me to deposit money into a bank account and have txt msg me threatening me as I had lost my phone ! They’ve permeated every corner of commerce. I called WF and asked that if I cash this will they be protected and they said they would know if it is fake or not. Rather be safe than sorry. If you suspect fraud, call the U.S. She showed me the "memo" sent around that the bank is seeing tons of fake usps money orders. Copyright © 2021. A. It’s a fast-growing fraud that could cost you thou­sands of dollars.There are many types of fake check scams, but it all starts when someone offers a realis­tic-looking check or money order and asks you to send cash somewhere in return. I had a Post Office tell me a genuine USPS money order was fake. Seller sends me a link to some fake USPS first class site with a fake tracking number on my purchase. The U.S. Used to be buyer beware but now it’s everyone beware! USPS Online Money Order Service UNITED STATES POSTAL MONEY ORDER ($600) MADE BY IBEH MYKELTO DEVLYN LINDEN HAS BEEN APPROVED TODAY (4/2/2006) I’m selling some musical equipment and they offered to send a cashiers check but with an extra amount (almost $1300 more) for movers. Postal money orders were intercepted. A victim would not expect to find cash just sitting in a mailbox for no apparent reason, but that’s exactly what criminals want their targets to think when they send a letter asking a person to accomplish a simple task for cash. Fraud Guides. Because this scheme uses postal money orders potential victims can check if the validity by going to a local post office. If you want to become a member, you have to contact them, they don’t solicit new members out of the blue. Amounts in excess of these figures, like $3,000, indicate a fake money order. Postal Service money orders for several thousand dollars. By the time the bank discovers the problem, it’s too late to recover products or funds. Thankfully, the buyer was understanding of the delay in shipment. Postal Service money orders that look very authentic have been part of this fraud scheme. Just remember, STAY AWAY from anything that deviates from the normal pay and pick up or pay and ship for the exact amount. Let’s start costing these scammers some money by letting them continue to express Mail their worthless checks. But some of these scammers are getting more and more clever and they don’t “scam” you until they have already sent the cashier’s check or money order (by overnight Fedex) for much more than the intended item) and then they send you instructions. The scammer mails a fake money order as payment for a purchase, but before you have time to ship the item (or even receive the money order in the mail), they email to say a financial emergency is forcing them to renege on the purchase. They can determine if the money order is legit. Order stamps, shipping supplies, and unique items only available from the United States Postal Service. This means that if you have a valid account at a bank and someone has written you a money order, then you may be able to simply sign the money order and deposit it into your account. Shipper was suppose to come pick up rest of money and bike. The amount should be printed in numbers and written out in words. I have read so many different scenerios and I don’t want to get involved in some sort of a scam. People are receiving a package in their mailboxes containing what appears to be U.S. If you have no luck there, ask whoever issued you the money order to get a replacement. I was amazed at the response I got immidatly on almost everything! Tell them you turned it over to the police. i waas selling a phone on craigslist and this guy offered me a"money order" told me i would recieve the confirmation email this is wat i recieved (it had a lot of pictures in it and a marquee at the top also) is it a scam? There are many security features built in to a USPS Money Order. Same stuff. Hey Jason, so I just cashed the money today. Postal Service money order controls are not sufficient to detect fraud in a timely manner. The cashiers check has Blackacre LLC written from Suntrust Bank. To add to the confusion, there are real mystery shoppers who get paid to check on stores, but they are certified by the Mystery Shoppers Association. I called Alpha graphics and they told me FBI was working with postal service . RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) -- Now that distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is underway, new scams are popping up from criminals who are using the vaccine as a way to steal money. Specifically, the Postal Service does not sufficiently monitor money order transactions at retail units and make investigative referrals of potential fraud. They also communicate to financial institutions, asking them to “keep an eye out” and continue to be vigilant. The money sounds great to all of us but unless you want to owe the bank whatever amount of money, do not do it. A money order is a paper document and resembles to a check, used for making payments. Pease hellp on next steps, Notify the bank the cashier check is from and see what they say. Forums › General Discussion › Don't get fooled by fake usps money orders and cashiers checks Views : 2121 Likes : 0 Likes : 0 | Subscribe May 21, 2017 at 2:45 am Link Willie14228Participant Member This money order is fake, but if you tried to tell by comparing it to a real one it … The United States Postal Money Order is probably the safest money order to use for this purpose. It came from Inkster MI – from what I assume is a fake name and address. Check was for1680.00. Please know USPS officials would never reach out directly to consumers and ask for money or Personal Identifying Information (PII). A few days later, the victim is notified by their financial institution that the check or money order is fraudulent. What Happens If I Deposit a Fake Money Order? What is a fake check scam? Look for these features: The Postal Service issues domestic and international money orders. According to court documents and statements made in court, the first scheme involved the theft of postal money orders. in a week you end up losing because recourse is taken against you, and you end up in jail, Holy shit I saw all these comments, I sold an item on CL too and I just cashed the money order today. I didn’t get the cheque cashed . Then walk away and forget about it. Send an Email Request To check payment status by email, send an inquiry to USPS by visiting the post office's homepage. I had the same thing happened to me today. Postal money order. A genuine postal money order contains a repeating watermark of Benjamin Franklin that passes through an open oval area located on the left-hand side of the order. A postal order is purchased directly from a national postal system, such as the US Postal Service or the Post Office in the United Kingdom. The quality of what these con artists are producing is very good and ordinary consumers can easily be fooled. Did you make a complaint and if yes then please send me a link too . They are a convenient alternative for individuals who do not have a checking account or credit card and need to pay with an instrument other than cash. Postal Service at any time by visiting the Money Orders Application . The amount should be printed in numbers and written out in words. Welcome to the Postal Store at USPS.com! Contact numbers for issuers of commonly-used money orders are: USPS (1-866-459-7822), Western Union (1-800-999-9660) and MoneyGram (1-800-MONEYGRAM). I just got the same type of message. USPS® and the Postal Inspection Service are aware of the circulation of a fake email/email scam claiming to be from USPS officials including the Postmaster General. Employees who suspect they have been given a fake money order can call the money order verification system at 866-459-7822. If a money order is for more than $1,000 (or $700 for an international USPS money order), you’ve probably got a fake because most issuers impose maximums on money orders. Postal money orders being used to purchase goods/services from small Internet retailers, classified advertisers or others lured into an Internet con scheme, from sellers of antiques to exotic and classic automobiles. … I had something similar happened I cashed a fake check I didn’t know it was fake I sold something on craigslist it haunted me for three years I cannot get a bank account anywhere basically you need to make a police report get all the evidence I am getting scammed $2500 I only had to pay 500 bucks! I was sent 3 money orders. Money orders purchased from the post office are considered postal orders. Featured news articles, press releases, and statements from the Chief Postal Inspector, see the most up to date source of information from the Postal Inspection Service. I cashed the check because I didn’t know it could’ve been a scam. They don’t have any information about the source.

People looking for work are scouring the internet for anything that might help bring in a few extra bucks. View Full Version : Fake usps money orders. Marc Anthony Alexander, formerly of Stratford and Oxford, and his wife, Rachael Alexander, also known as Rachael Vierling, devised a scheme to steal blocks of blank postal money orders from the U.S. Post Office in Old Greenwich. Postal money order has watermarks, security threads and a rainbow of inked patterns and tones. The check looks like a normal check, but I just find it very weird that they would pay over $500 for a watch that they could get brand new at an apple store for $500. Importance of Money Order Receipt. If you think you’ve been given a fake money order, call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822. A dark security thread running (top to bottom) to the right of the Franklin watermark, with the tiny letters “USPS” facing backward and forward. U.S. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS NUMEROUS TIMES ON CRAIGSLIST AND IT IS A BUNCH OF BS. These scams have become very sophisticated recently and there are all kinds of variations. "While this is an authentic money order, it's been altered," said Donna Harris, a USPS spokesperson. What if I deposit the money orders at a check cashing place? That money order is a USPS Postal Money Order. A lady texted me or started emailing me from Florida said she travels a lot wanted to buy the stove and have me hold it for an extra $20 which sounded okay. I guarantee you the harassment will stop. This is also known as a Nigerian Scam because many of these types of scams have originated in Nigeria or other African nations. Your best bet is to take the money order to your local PO to cash out. You can also protect yourself by being smart and watching out for warning signs such as offers to pay more than something is worth. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) - When it comes to virtual meetings, you may be giving criminals more information than you think - information that scammers can use to defraud you or worse. Same thing happened to me , now the person threatening me that he made an complaint in FBI and local CAI . Include if the payment is via check, or cash. If there is no security thread, the money order is COUNTERFEIT. All of you that are cashing these money orders or checks, the check will clear but you will be liable for the amount they are for . Got text today they will not give me their names I have asked.. but was told today that $1500.00 cashier’s check being mailed today. I was like, no thanks. He gives me a tracking number and says the check was on the way. I am not certain that this is for real. L. 103–322, which directed the amendment of this section by substituting “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000”, was executed by making the substitution for “fined not more than $5,000” in last par., to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Identifying counterfeit money orders is easy if you know what to look for. Thanks…. The person buying my bike said she was from Austin. In fiscal year (FY) 2012, fees from money order sales generated $129 million in revenue. Hello I was selling item and I got a text saying he was pastor Rick also very crazy what happed with yours?? According to the F.B.I. Q. Most thieves do not want to mess with the government. I told them I decided not to sell my item after finding this page, but now they won’t stop texting me. If you do end up cashing a fake money order… Once it’s gone, you will not get it back. DO NOT PROCEED WITH THIS DEAL. The victim spent their own money, typically $900-$2,700, and now the fraudster has a free shopping spree. But needed my address so I gave her my address the check shows up and it’s for $2,900 apparently the rest goes to the shippers when they get to the house because they ship a lot of things for her and she owes them the money. “When we’re put into a position of trying to find employment or income it makes us more vulnerable to things,” said Wise. I feel like I should reach out to the bank and tell them I’m being scammed? U.S. For the most part, I catch the scam early on before anything comes my way. They would overnight me the money or better yet they want my email on my PayPal account and they will send $$ that way. Soon all the buyers contacted me again (two via email and two via text) saying they were happy to wait until their check had cleared my bank before arranging for shipping. They sent me a cheque of $1980 for just an old used furniture of $300 . Importance of Money Order Receipt. Fake money orders are the most common type of scam, as sellers ship goods or send money to a “buyer” or "employer" who is really a con artist. Is it really a scam then? Employees who suspect they have been given a fake money order can call the money order verification system at 866-459-7822. Who do I contact to report them? Money Order … One of the newest scams preys on a fear that people might not be able to get the vaccine if they wait in line, so the scam "offers" a way to sneakily move to the front of the vaccine waiting line. I still have them and didn’t cash them. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. This increase in activity is worthy of note due to the security measures taken to help ensure U.S. Postal Service Money Orders have security features that distinguish them from other financial instruments. Call was from a “marine” Texas phone number, cashiers check, was sent from Mesa, Az, then the cashiers check was also from Texas. THINK ABOUT IT, WHY WOULD SOMEONE PAY YOU ALL THAT EXTRA MONEY?? I had the same exact scam, I was selling an organ on Craig’s list, they mailed me a counterfeit cashiers check wanted me to send them back, apx $1500. This is a new step. Postal Service Money Orders. I knew no one would really want to pay that rediculous amount of money, and please a ‘shipper’! Domestic Postal Money Orders cannot exceed a value of $1,000. Postal money orders. NEW TEXT: New wording will be added to the front and back of all Postal Money Orders … I checked with Craigslist they recommend ‘locals only, cash only’. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. One of the chief differences between a money order and a postal order has to do with where the instruments may be purchased. To the Bank/Post Office which issued it (if it had a counter/till stamp on it) or best to a large Police Station, with a report of how it got in to your hands and where/who gave it to you. I have something listed on Craigslist and a woman (supposedly) has sent me a Wells Fargo Money Order via UPS for more than it is worth plus $100.00 for my trouble. You should fill in the "Pay to" field as quickly as possible; otherwise, if the money order is stolen, anyone can cash it and you cannot apply for a refund. Now, the criminals use fake U.S. They are both fake. Fortunately the first thing I sold was to a young lady that showed up at my door with cash in hand, but three other things are all sketchy. No money order place is going to cash a fake money order or cashiers check. This just happened to me! its all a scam, there is no moving service and there is no agent, the reason they send you a check for more than the price you are asking for is to see if you will actually take the check to a place that will give you instant cash instead of waiting for it to clear a bank, so you can send them the money right away to avoid being caught, so you have your money you wanted for the item and the rest you wired back is a mystery, they give you fake info to wire the money to. The USPS also has limits for international money orders: $700 per money to every country except El Salvador and Guyana, which have a limit of $500. Postal money orders for more than $1,000 are not authentic. If there is no security thread, the money order is COUNTERFEIT. Variation on the amount should be printed in numbers and don ’ t cash.... Craigslist started getting texts immediately what I assume is a personal check designing and check printing for... 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