If you’ve sent a money order that goes missing or ends up in the wrong hands, acting quickly can help you recover your funds. Each issuer has its own policies for canceling payments and replacing or refunding uncashed money orders, so it’s important to know the steps involved.
What is a money order?
A money order is a prepaid paper document used as a secure form of payment. It’s a popular alternative to checks or cash, especially when you need to send money through the mail or don’t have access to a bank account. Money orders are widely accepted and can be purchased from places like the post office, Walmart, Western Union, banks, and credit unions.
See also: Where to Get a Money Order
Common Uses of Money Orders
People use money orders for various reasons:
- Paying bills when electronic payment isn’t an option
- Sending funds through the mail securely
- Making purchases from individuals or businesses that don’t accept checks
- Avoiding the need to carry large amounts of cash
- Providing a paper trail for transactions
Reasons to Cancel a Money Order
There are several situations where you might need to cancel a money order:
- It’s been lost or misplaced
- It was stolen
- An error was made when filling it out
- The recipient no longer needs the funds
Step-by-Step Guide for Cancelling a Money Order
Before you start the cancellation process, be prepared to provide specific information and possibly some documentation. The exact steps can vary depending on the issuer, but here’s a general guide to help you through the process.
1. Contact the Issuer
If you’re certain your money order needs to be canceled, reach out to the issuer as soon as possible. They’ll explain their specific procedures and what you need to do next.
- USPS: Visit your local post office or call USPS customer service at 1-800-275-8777.
- Western Union: Call 1-800-999-9660 or use their Money Order Customer Request Form.
- MoneyGram: Call 1-800-542-3590 or fill out the Money Order Claim Card.
Having your receipt handy will make this step smoother, but don’t worry if you’ve misplaced it—you can still proceed.
2. Complete a Cancellation Form
Most issuers require you to fill out a cancellation request form. This form will ask for details such as:
- Date of purchase
- Amount of the money order
- Where it was purchased
- Serial or tracking number
All this information is typically found on your receipt. If you don’t have it, provide as much detail as you can remember. The issuer should be able to locate your money order in their system.
3. Pay the Cancellation Fee
Canceling a money order usually comes with a fee, which varies by issuer and whether you have the receipt:
- MoneyGram: $18
- Western Union: $15 with the original receipt, $30 without it
- USPS: $6.95
If you bought the money order from a bank or credit union, check with them for their specific fees.
4. Wait for Processing
Once you’ve submitted your cancellation request, there’s a waiting period while the issuer verifies that the money order hasn’t been cashed. This can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, especially if you don’t have the receipt. Patience is key during this step.
5. Receive Your Refund or Replacement
After the issuer confirms the money order hasn’t been cashed, they will issue a refund or a replacement money order. Some issuers prefer to provide a replacement rather than a refund, as it’s often simpler. The replacement can be sent to you via mail or, in some cases, processed online.
How to Track a Money Order
Worried that your money order could be lost or stolen? If you’ve sent or received a money order and are feeling anxious about it, there are ways to track them.
Before you cancel a money order and stop payment, try to track it online if possible.
Western Union
It is possible to track all Western Union money orders online, whether you are the sender or receiver. Simply enter the tracking number assigned to the money order, and you can see where it is within their network.
Walmart & MoneyGram
Tracking MoneyGram money orders purchased at Walmart or elsewhere can also be done online. Visit the MoneyGram website, and enter both the serial number and the dollar amount to track orders online.
USPS Money Order Tracking
Tracking a USPS money order can also be done online. You’ll need to provide a serial number, the number of the issuing post office and the dollar amount to track it on the USPS website.
How to Recover a Cashed Money Order
If a money order has already been cashed, recovering your funds can be challenging, as you’ll need to show it was cashed fraudulently. While the process may take time, following these steps can increase your chances of getting your money back.
1. Obtain a Copy of the Cashed Money Order
Contact the issuer to request a photocopy or digital image of the cashed money order. This copy serves as proof of the transaction and may include the endorsement signature or other identifying information. Note that some issuers charge a fee for providing a copy.
2. File a Police Report
With the copy of the cashed money order, visit your local law enforcement agency to file a police report. Explain the situation in detail, including any evidence you have that the money order was cashed fraudulently. This report is essential for proving the case to the issuer and can also help initiate further investigation.
3. Submit a Claim with the Issuer
After obtaining the police report, contact the issuer’s customer service to submit a fraud claim. You’ll likely need to fill out a specific form and attach copies of the police report, the money order copy, and any additional documentation that could help support your case.
4. Follow Up Regularly
Fraud investigations can be lengthy, so it’s helpful to follow up periodically with both the issuer and law enforcement to check the status of your claim. This persistence can help expedite the process and keep your case active.
What to Expect
The refund process in cases of fraud can take several weeks or even months, as the issuer will need to verify the details and complete a thorough investigation. While it’s possible to recover your funds, success depends on providing complete and accurate documentation, including clear evidence of fraudulent cashing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a money order refund take?
The refund process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. The issuer needs time to verify that the money order hasn’t been cashed before issuing a refund or replacement.
Can someone else cancel a money order on my behalf?
Usually, only the purchaser can cancel a money order. You’ll need to provide identification and proof of purchase.
Are cancellation fees refundable?
Cancellation fees are generally non-refundable, even if the money order wasn’t lost or stolen.
What if I don’t have the receipt?
You can still cancel the money order without the receipt, but the process may take longer and could incur higher fees. Provide as much information as possible to help the issuer locate the transaction.
Can I cancel a money order online?
Some issuers allow you to cancel a money order online, but this varies. Check your issuer’s website or customer service to see if online cancellation is an option. Many issuers still require an in-person visit or a mailed form for cancellations.
What happens if I filled out the recipient information incorrectly?
If you’ve made an error filling out the recipient details, it’s best to cancel the money order and issue a new one. Contact the issuer right away to start the cancellation process, as the incorrect information could prevent the money order from being cashed.
How long do I have to cancel a money order?
There’s generally no strict time limit for canceling a money order, but it’s best to act quickly. If the money order hasn’t been cashed, you can usually cancel it. However, some issuers may have policies that could impact your ability to cancel after a certain period, so check with your provider.
Can I get a money order replacement or refund if I paid with cash?
Yes, you can still request a replacement or refund even if the original money order was purchased with cash. You’ll need to follow the cancellation steps and provide any required documentation, such as a receipt or proof of purchase.
Is there a limit on the amount I can get refunded or replaced?
Each issuer may have specific policies regarding high-value money orders. If your money order is above a certain amount, the issuer may require additional verification or a longer processing time for refunds or replacements.
Can I cancel an international money order?
Canceling an international money order follows similar steps, but it may take longer and come with higher fees. Contact the issuer for specific guidelines on canceling international money orders, as not all issuers support this option.
