Another free and quick way to trace your money order is by phone. Call USPS at 1-866-974-2733. Select “Customer” option, then “Money Order Inquiry,” and enter the serial number.

How can I verify a money order?

The USPS recommends that you inspect the dollar amount for signs of ink discoloration, which can indicate that the original amount of the money order has been changed. You can also call the USPS at (866) 459-7822 to verify a money order or use the online Money Order Inquiry System .

How can you tell if a money order is stolen?

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.

Can you track who cashed a money order?

Call MoneyGram’s automated response line at 1-800-542-3590 or use MoneyGram’s online tracking system. You’ll need to provide your money order number and the exact dollar amount; the system should then tell you whether the item has been cashed or not.

Where is the reference number on a money order?

If you’re using a physical money order form then you should look for the 11-digit reference number is usually the series of large red digits on the left side of the sheet you’re filling out to the recipient. The number will usually be on the edge of the detachable stub receipt.

Can you get scammed with a money order?

A money order is essentially a paper check that’s not connected with a bank account. Money orders can be a convenient way to receive or send money—but they’re also susceptible to fraud. Money order scams usually target online sellers of merchandise or services, but buyers can fall victim as well.

Can money orders be tracked without receipt?

While most banks and issuers will allow you to trace your money order without a receipt, some will not. USPS does not allow tracing of any money order without a receipt. Call your issuer’s customer service number (easily found on their website) to see if they can trace a money order without a receipt.

Can a money order be traced?

A money order is not a check, and it’s harder to trace one; keep your receipt until you are sure the order has been received and cashed. When a purchaser pays for a money order, it comes with a receipt that includes the serial number of the money order.

What happens if a money order is stolen and cashed?

Pick Up Your Refund If your money order was stolen or lost, and not yet cashed when the issuer concludes the investigation process, a refund is issued. The USPS allows for picking up a refund, in the form of a postal money order you can address to yourself and cash immediately, at any post office.

How do you correct a mistake on a money order?

If there is a mistake on it, the money order must be canceled or refunded. When you find that you filled out information incorrectly, all you must do is ask to cancel the money order and request a new one from the cashier.

What information do you need for a money order?

You’ll generally need to know the payee’s name, the payment amount, the payee’s address, and any other relevant details, such as an account number. You’ll also need to bring a valid form of payment to buy the money order—cash, traveler’s checks, and debit cards are all generally accepted by most issuers.

Do money orders clear immediately?

Money orders generally clear almost immediately, and if you (or the person you send a money order to) are redeeming it for cash, you should receive the funds right away. However, some banks may take as long as 24 hours to deposit a money order into your account, especially if you deposit it later in the day.

Do you need the receipt to cash a money order?

Cashing the Money Order. Bring identification. The bank won’t cash the money order without acceptable proof that you are the person who is supposed to receive the funds. Some banks and check-cashing stores also may request your right thumbprint next to your signature on the money order.

What do I do if I lost my money order receipt?

If you don’t have the receipt, then you’ll have to fill out a money order research request (MORR). Again, mail it to the listed address on the form. In this case, you will have to send a nonrefundable $30 fee with the completed form. This process can take between six and eight weeks to complete.

How do you cash a money order that has already been filled out?

What if I already filled out the money order, but no longer need it for the payment I was going to make? If the money order is not altered and is in good condition, you may try to cash the money order at your bank or check-cashing store.

Can you find out who cashed a money order?

Customers wanting to find out if a money order has been cashed may go online to USPS.com to check the status. They will need to enter the money order serial number, Post Office number, and issued amount—all printed on the money order receipt—in order to obtain near real-time status information.

What happens if someone steals a money order?

If your money order was stolen or lost, and not yet cashed when the issuer concludes the investigation process, a refund is issued. The USPS allows for picking up a refund, in the form of a postal money order you can address to yourself and cash immediately, at any post office.

What do I do if I wrote the wrong name on a money order?

If there is a mistake on it, the money order must be canceled or refunded. When you find that you filled out information incorrectly, all you must do is ask to cancel the money order and request a new one from the cashier. This usually causes no trouble to anyone but you.

Can I cross out a mistake on a money order?

Most major money order issuers do not allow customers to correct mistakes on money orders. You cannot cross the information out and rewrite it or use white-out; instead, you will usually need to get a replacement for the money order.