Share you experience with USPS Money Order sales

[e.vang]

Recently I was conned into a fraudulent online forums sales of a firearm. I sent a USPS money order in the name of the seller and to the supposed seller's address. All communications were though emails and texts and my FFL also email their info to the seller. As soon as the money order was confirmed delivered, never heard for the seller again. Seller's cell phone is now disconnected and most likely prepaid. I went back to the post office where I purchase the money order, and they said there's nothing they can do about it. Best they can do was get me a copy of the cashed money order, then I can call some 1-800 number to file a claim, only if I filled out the payee and payer info on the money order, which I did. So 15 days later I got the copy of my cashed money order and called to file my claim. Another 2 weeks later, they sent me a form for me to sign saying I didn't cash the money order or am trying to defraud the USPS. In addition to that the payee (Seller) must also sign saying that they didn't cash it too. Obviously the payee can't sign it. Called the 1-800 number again, and explain why there can't be a payee signature because it was a fraudulent sale. The USPS agent told be that there has to be two signature or the claim will be denied and nothing else they can do. So I signed both spots and sent it the form back to USPS. We'll now see if I get my money back.

I've concluded that USPS money order has no safety net. Even my bank would refund me instantly and go after the person who cashed it following the money trail.

There are firearms out there like on AR15.com that I want to purchase, but most of the time the seller only excepts USPS money order, and my previous experience has deterred me from sending out money orders as a form a payment.

What are your experiences from purchasing firearms via USPS money order?

[BemidjiDweller]

The USPS agent told be that there has to be two signature or the claim will be denied and nothing else they can do. So I signed both spots and sent it the form back to USPS.

If I understand correctly, you need the payee to sign as well. You couldn't get their signature, so you either forged theirs or signed your name twice?

[Nalez]

Two things,
1st, you can track postal money orders here: https://mois.usps.com/pls/pmoisnp/mois_ ... l_pkg.main
2nd, you can report the money order "stolen". this is a very involved process, detailed here: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2012/01/2 ... -what-now/

[RangerTim]

I've only ever had one issue with a USPS MO but it was enough to make me not want to deal with it again. From now on if I have to send a MO, I go to a bank and get one.

[sprigfan]

This doesn't help you, but it would be nice if they required photo ID to cash a USPS MO. They could even write the DL/ID # on the MO incase something like this happened. Some retail stores do this when they take personal checks.

[Collector1337420]

That's why you have to use gunbroker or something. MGT is safe because you can meet the person. Straight forum buying is always shady.

[LarryFlew]

I have gone the stolen MO route. Took forever but eventually got my $500 back.

[FJ540]

Signing it twice sounds like attempted fraud. Way to go.

I've had some resistance to money orders on GB sales, but I'll take a personal check I just don't advertise that in the listings. No problems getting screwed selling to gun buyers in my limited experience.

[340PD]

Most people think money orders are a safe form of payment, they're not as the OP found out. Some people think that certified checks or cashier's checks are also safe. They're not at least not completely.

[e.vang]

The USPS agent told be that there has to be two signature or the claim will be denied and nothing else they can do. So I signed both spots and sent it the form back to USPS.

If I understand correctly, you need the payee to sign as well. You couldn't get their signature, so you either forged theirs or signed your name twice?

I signed my name twice.

[e.vang]

I have gone the stolen MO route. Took forever but eventually got my $500 back.

What was your process of getting your money back?

[e.vang]

Signing it twice sounds like attempted fraud. Way to go.

I've had some resistance to money orders on GB sales, but I'll take a personal check I just don't advertise that in the listings. No problems getting screwed selling to gun buyers in my limited experience.

Yes on the MO I wrote it to the supposed payee, but I'm sure it was an alias. Due to fraud, I assume the MO would still be my own, so I did sign it twice. The form did ask state your payee, and I listed myself before I signed it.

[e.vang]

Most people think money orders are a safe form of payment, they're not as the OP found out. Some people think that certified checks or cashier's checks are also safe. They're not at least not completely.

Sadly this was my first purchase not using GB or FTF. Learn my lesson.

[bothwell]

I had once been told that stealing a USPS money order was considered "mail fraud"; and that the the postal service had an adequately staffed and responsive investigative force. Maybe there is a different way to report it (as a crime, versus as a lost money order).

[BemidjiDweller]

The USPS agent told be that there has to be two signature or the claim will be denied and nothing else they can do. So I signed both spots and sent it the form back to USPS.

If I understand correctly, you need the payee to sign as well. You couldn't get their signature, so you either forged theirs or signed your name twice?

I signed my name twice.

I have gone the stolen MO route. Took forever but eventually got my $500 back.

What was your process of getting your money back?

Signing it twice sounds like attempted fraud. Way to go.

I've had some resistance to money orders on GB sales, but I'll take a personal check I just don't advertise that in the listings. No problems getting screwed selling to gun buyers in my limited experience.

Yes on the MO I wrote it to the supposed payee, but I'm sure it was an alias. Due to fraud, I assume the MO would still be my own, so I did sign it twice. The form did ask state your payee, and I listed myself before I signed it.

Most people think money orders are a safe form of payment, they're not as the OP found out. Some people think that certified checks or cashier's checks are also safe. They're not at least not completely.

Sadly this was my first purchase not using GB or FTF. Learn my lesson.

Holy quadruple post, we have an edit button for a reason.