Can You Legally Cash a Money Order You Found?
Learn why you should not cash a found money order and the proper steps to return it to the rightful owner or issuer.
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No, you should not cash a money order you found. Money orders are meant to be a safe method of payment between two parties. If you find one, the best course of action is to return it to the issuer (bank, post office, etc.) or hand it over to the local police. Cashing it could be considered theft or fraud, as it was not intended for you. Doing the right thing could help return the funds to their rightful owner.
FAQs & Answers
- What should I do if I find a money order? If you find a money order, you should not attempt to cash it. Instead, return it to the issuer such as a bank or post office, or hand it over to local police to help return it to the rightful owner.
- Is it illegal to cash a money order that isn’t mine? Yes, cashing a money order that was not issued to you may be considered theft or fraud and can have legal consequences.
- How can I verify if a money order is legitimate? You can verify a money order's legitimacy by contacting the issuer directly, such as the bank or post office that issued it, using any tracking or serial numbers provided.
- Can a lost money order be canceled? Yes, the purchaser can request a cancellation or replacement of a lost or stolen money order from the issuer, but you must follow their specific process and provide proof of purchase.