Can I get scammed with a money order?
Money orders can be counterfeited, altered, or used in overpayment scams the same way fake cashier's checks are — always verify with the issuer before spending the money.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Money orders are widely accepted as a secure payment method, which is exactly why fraudsters forge them. Counterfeit money orders from fake issuers or altered legitimate money orders where the amount has been changed upward are common tools in overpayment scams and online marketplace fraud.
The mechanics mirror the cashier's check scam: you receive a money order for more than the agreed amount, cash or deposit it, and are asked to return the excess. When the money order is later found to be fraudulent, you owe the full face value. Because real USPS and bank money orders have a face value cap (typically $1,000 for USPS), any money order for a very large amount from an unexpected sender is suspicious.
Money orders can also be genuinely stolen and resold on dark marketplaces, meaning even a legitimate-looking money order may have already been reported lost or stolen, triggering a hold or reversal when you try to cash it.
If you are a seller accepting a money order from a stranger: do not ship goods until the money order has fully cleared. For USPS money orders you can verify the serial number by phone or at a post office. For Western Union or MoneyGram orders, use their online verification tools. Any money order with signs of alteration — smeared ink, inconsistent fonts, or a wavy serial number — is likely fraudulent.
Common red flags
- Money order amount is higher than what was agreed
- Sender asks you to wire or send back the difference before shipping
- Money order is from an obscure issuer you cannot verify online
- Serial number or dollar amount shows signs of physical alteration
- Deal came together quickly with minimal back-and-forth
- Buyer says they accidentally sent too much and needs the overage in gift cards
What to do now
- Verify any money order with the issuer before cashing — USPS has a phone verification line
- Do not ship goods or return any overage until the money order fully clears your account
- Refuse deals that involve depositing a money order and sending back a portion
- Report suspected counterfeit money orders to the US Postal Inspection Service
- File an FTC complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a USPS money order?
You can verify a USPS money order by calling 1-866-459-7822 or by taking it to a post office with the serial number and the purchaser's details. Do not cash it until it is verified.
Are money orders traceable?
Legitimate money orders have serial numbers that allow the issuer to track them. However, counterfeit ones have no real trail, and by the time a fraud is detected the scammer is often untraceable.