International Money Order vs Postal Money Order

[Chaotic42]

I'm buying something from someone on line, so I sent him an international money order (because that's what they gave me). He says they're going to charge him $30 to cash it. We both live in America, but I'm curious as to why they would charge him to do that.

Isn't not having to mess with cash the point of a money order?

Where can I get a regular one at? The post office? Can I get my money back from the International money order? If not, I'm going to kick some ass.

 

[hawkeye81x]

I think the guy might be trying to cash the thing at Western Union or something.
Otherwise the fee to cash a money order should be minimal, nowhere near $30.

The post office sells money orders which are definitely domestic. I've also purchased money orders from Albertsons before as well.

 

[Mill]

Is he saying his bank is charging 30? I don't think that is true of any bank that I have ever dealt with.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Millennium
Is he saying his bank is charging 30? I don't think that is true of any bank that I have ever dealt with.

Here's what he said. I don't think he's lying, but I'm just curious as to why they would charge him...

-
hey Chris,

I am going to have a problem cashier the international money order. MY bank is going to charge me 30 dollars to process. Is there any way you can make it a US money order or a postal order and I will sent this check back to you
-

It's a $75 MO. When he sends it back, will I have trouble getting my $75? I still have the reciept stub, and I go into the gas station I got it from all of the time (it's next to my house), so they know me.

 

[PrincessGuard]

My bank (Downey Savings) charges some ridiculous fee for depositing an international money order too.

The post office may cash it for you.

 

[vegetation]

The post office may cash it for you.

The post office will only cash US postal money orders, or postal money orders issued from certain countries they have postal treaties with (such as Canada).

 

[Conky]

That's BS. Any bank in the US will take any legitimate money order as cash. They might wait to let it clear but there is no way they would charge $30 bucks for it. Be careful... this guy is playing strange games.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
That's BS. Any bank in the US will take any legitimate money order as cash. They might wait to let it clear but there is no way they would charge $30 bucks for it. Be careful... this guy is playing strange games.

Well, he only has a handful of heatware (I have 0), but they are all positive. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I had a really terrible bank when I was at college, this sounds like something they would do.

My big question is, can I get my money back? I'm not spending *another* $75.

 

[Kerouactivist]

Ask him if there is a number on the money order or look on your reciept.

Hopefully their is a Phone number or at least the name of the company that issued the M.O. and you can contact them to maybe ask for some info about cashing the M.O. or at least getting your moeny back if their is no place to cash it for a descent price.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: bthorny
Ask him if there is a number on the money order or look on your reciept.

Hopefully their is a Phone number or at least the name of the company that issued the M.O. and you can contact them to maybe ask for some info about cashing the M.O. or at least getting your moeny back if their is no place to cash it for a descent price.

Heh, yeah, I was just checking that. The reciept does have a phone number and an address. I'll tell the guy to hold until I can find out where he can cash it.

It's the "Traverlers Express Company, INC" in Minneapolis.

Thanks.

 

[Conky]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
That's BS. Any bank in the US will take any legitimate money order as cash. They might wait to let it clear but there is no way they would charge $30 bucks for it. Be careful... this guy is playing strange games.

Well, he only has a handful of heatware (I have 0), but they are all positive. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I had a really terrible bank when I was at college, this sounds like something they would do.

My big question is, can I get my money back? I'm not spending *another* $75.

Yawn, another heatware terrorist. I'm surprised he didn't make you send the money order first and let him hold the money for a month before shipping. Cancel the deal. And yes, you can get your money back but it might be a bit of a hassle.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool

Yawn, another heatware terrorist. I'm surprised he didn't make you send the money order first and let him hold the money for a month before shipping. Cancel the deal. And yes, you can get your money back but it might be a bit of a hassle.

I dunno. Another guy in the thread said that he recieved his stuff from the guy with no problems.

I'm going to keep positive. Even if he is a troll and he is scamming me, cancelling now will do nothing. He has the money.

I'm sure it's just a matter of finding somewhere that will take the MO.

 

[RossMAN]

1) Before you do anything, get the international money order serial number. Call the place where you purchased the international money order, ask them HOW do you get a refund? Write down who you're speaking with and what they say. You shouldn't have any problems in getting a refund however you may have to wait 30-90 days from the international money order issue date and there might be a refund fee.

2) If they say yes you can get a refund then have the seller return the mo to you.

3) You're both in the U.S., never send an international money order again unless they're outside of the U.S. or specifically request an international money order (even if this happens BEFORE you mail it, forewarn them of possible fees and if they are charged those fees it's THEIR responsibility not yours).

4) If you can get a refund, buy a regular money order from your local USPS, it costs like $0.75 and can be cashed virtually anywhere in the U.S.

 

[Chaotic42]

Thanks for the advice.

I didn't really think that a gas station would give me an international money order. I mean, why?

I'm going to call them at 9.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

I didn't really think that a gas station would give me an international money order. I mean, why?

Well in the future don't buy a money order at a gas station.

Only from your local USPS or a financial institution (bank/CU).

 

[Chaotic42]

I called them up and they said that there is no way it should be $30. She said he can go to a check cashing place and get it for like $.20.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
I called them up and they said that there is no way it should be $30. She said he can go to a check cashing place and get it for like $.20.

I don't believe that, cash checking places make their money by charging outrageous % to cash a check.

Did you ask them about how to get a refund? That seems to be your best option thus far.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
I called them up and they said that there is no way it should be $30. She said he can go to a check cashing place and get it for like $.20.

I don't believe that, cash checking places make their money by charging outrageous % to cash a check.

Did you ask them about how to get a refund? That seems to be your best option thus far.

Well, I was exaggerating. She said it would be about 3-5%.

I gave him two check cashing places in the town he lives in. Hopefully one of those will work.