What's the deal with Western Union Money Orders?

[slayer202]

I've never used western union but have heard many stories of fraud. I recently sold something on another forum and the guy sent a Western Union money order.

The "Pay to", "purchaser's address" and "purchasers signature" portions of the money order are all blank and not filled in.

If I cash this at my bank, is there any way that the money will later be withdrawn somehow? Can I even cash it with the above information not filled in?

 

[txrandom]

Are you suppose to fill it in?

 

[raanemaan]

I have heard of a lot scams involving western union money orders. If it turns out fake or no funds they come back on you.

 

[slayer202]

Well I would assume the person who bought it is supposed to, and I believe it is asking for his signature on the front

Originally posted by: raanemaan
I have heard of a lot scams involving western union money orders. If it turns out fake or no funds they come back on you.

Right. I assume there is a way to make sure it is legit though? And if it's real, it should already be payed for

 

[cubby1223]

There's probably a currency exchange somewhere near you that also handles Western Union. Take it there and ask them. Do not ship anything unless Western Union gives you the cash in hand.

 

[slayer202]

Originally posted by: cubby1223
There's probably a currency exchange somewhere near you that also handles Western Union. Take it there and ask them. Do not ship anything unless Western Union gives you the cash in hand.

right. on the back though, it says something about not cashing to anyone that you can't recover payment from

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: slayer202
I've never used western union but have heard many stories of fraud. I recently sold something on another forum and the guy sent a Western Union money order.

The "Pay to", "purchaser's address" and "purchasers signature" portions of the money order are all blank and not filled in.

If I cash this at my bank, is there any way that the money will later be withdrawn somehow? Can I even cash it with the above information not filled in?

it will have an 800 # you can call on it, call and it will ask you to punch in the MO number and it can tell you on the spot weather it's good or not.

W.U. Money Orders are no less safe than any other kind of M.O. they just get a bad rap because W.U. is everywhere and a lot more people use it than any other company.

being blank doesn't matter, does it have the stub at the bottom (or side) if that's not torn off you're definitely good.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: cubby1223
There's probably a currency exchange somewhere near you that also handles Western Union. Take it there and ask them. Do not ship anything unless Western Union gives you the cash in hand.

Bingo.

The horror stories with WU are the other way around. It's when you have to send someone a WU MO or wire transfer. Because once that happens and they cash it, you're SOL if they try to scam you. For accepting payment, it's the safest thing out there besides cash.

You take it in and they'll tell you on the spot (just like USPS MOs) if it's legit. You walk out of there with your cash and you're good to go.

OP: Don't cash it at your bank. Take it into a WU and cash it right there. Same rule applies for USPS MOs. You cash it at the post office. If you try cashing either one elsewhere, or especially at the bank, there's a chance it's fraudulent and will be hit on until a few days later.

 

[slayer202]

alright, great, thanks guys