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Postal Money Orders are safe to use because they have many security features that help distinguish between real and counterfeit notes. Just like our own U.S. currency, they are specially designed with different colored inks, watermarks, and security thread in the paper.
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How to tell if it’s official
Hold the money order up to the light and look for the following security features:
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Ben Franklin images (watermarks) repeated on the left side (top to bottom). |
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A dark security thread running (top to bottom) to the right of the Franklin watermark, with the tiny letters “USPS” facing backward and forward. |
If either of these security features is not present when the money order is held up to the light, you are holding a fraudulent Postal Money Order.
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Also be aware that
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Denominations are indicated on two locations. |
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Discoloration of the denomination amounts indicates erasure (fraudulent). |
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Maximum value for domestic postal money orders is $1,000. |
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Maximum value for international postal money orders is $700. (Maximum for Canadian money orders is $1,000) |
Notice 299 take-ones (highlighting money order security features) are available to order from the Topeka Materials and Distribution Center (1-800-273-1509). Or, you can download the Notice 299 (pdf) (htm)(May 2005).
December 2004 USPS News Release warning about the online fraud scam.
(pdf) (htm)
If you have questions about accepting Postal Money Orders, call your nearest U.S. Postal Inspection Service™ Office or Post Office™. Call the fraud hotline at 1-800-372-8347 (Monday-Friday) or visit www.usps.com/postalinspectors for additional information.
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