How to Report a Lost or Stolen Money Order

A lost or stolen money order can be a source of significant concern, leaving individuals unsure of how to recover their funds. Money orders function as a prepaid financial instrument, offering a secure method for sending money without a traditional bank account. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to reporting a lost or stolen money order and navigating the subsequent resolution process. Taking timely action and having accurate information readily available can facilitate a smoother recovery.

Gathering Necessary Details

Initiating a report for a lost or stolen money order requires specific information to identify and track the transaction. The most important document is the original money order receipt, which contains the serial number, the exact amount, and the date and location of purchase. This receipt serves as proof of purchase and is essential for any inquiry or claim. Without the receipt, the process may become more difficult, and some issuers might charge an additional fee to retrieve transaction details.

Beyond the physical receipt, it is helpful to have the money order’s serial number. You will also need the precise dollar amount of the money order and the exact date and time it was purchased. The specific location where the money order was bought, including the store name and address, is also necessary for the issuer to locate the transaction.

Providing the full name and address of both the sender (purchaser) and the intended recipient helps in cross-referencing records. Knowing the method of payment used for the money order, such as cash or a debit card, can further assist the issuer in verifying the purchase. Any identification used during the purchase, like a driver’s license number, can also be beneficial in confirming your identity as the legitimate purchaser. Gathering all these details before contacting the issuer can significantly streamline the reporting process.

Submitting Your Report to the Issuer

Once all necessary details are assembled, the next step involves submitting a formal report to the money order issuer. Each issuer has a distinct process for handling lost or stolen money orders, often requiring specific forms and submission methods.

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) money orders, you cannot stop payment, but a lost or stolen money order can be replaced. To initiate this process, you must visit any Post Office location in person with your money order receipt. There, you will need to fill out PS Form 6401, titled “Money Order Inquiry.” A processing fee, typically around $21.00, is required for this inquiry. The completed form, along with your receipt, is then submitted to a retail associate at the counter, which begins the investigation.

Western Union

Western Union provides an online claim portal, a dedicated customer service phone line, or a specific form for reporting a lost money order. You can check the payment’s status by calling their customer service number before requesting a refund. If the money order has not been cashed, you can submit a refund request, often with a processing fee that may range from $15 to $30. This process may involve completing a “Money Order Customer Request form,” especially if you do not have the original receipt.

MoneyGram

MoneyGram also offers channels for reporting lost money orders, including an online status check and replacement request system. To submit a claim, you generally need to complete a “Money Order Claim Card” with the required information. A processing fee, which can be around $12 for mailed submissions or $18 for online replacements, is typically required for each claim. The completed form, along with a copy of your money order receipt, is usually mailed to a central processing address.

Bank-Issued Money Orders

For money orders issued by a bank, the reporting process will vary depending on the specific financial institution. You should directly contact the issuing bank’s customer service or fraud department for their specific instructions and required forms. While processes differ, the bank will likely require similar purchase details and may impose a fee for investigation or replacement.

Understanding the Resolution Process

After submitting your report, the money order issuer begins an investigation into the status of the lost or stolen item. This investigation period can vary significantly by issuer, with USPS inquiries typically taking 30 to 60 days to confirm the status of a money order. Western Union refunds can take approximately 30 days to complete, while MoneyGram claims are often processed within 15 to 65 days.

During this waiting period, you can often track the status of your claim through online portals or dedicated inquiry phone numbers provided by the issuer. For instance, USPS allows customers to check the progress of their Money Order Inquiry online after it has been initiated at a Post Office.

If the money order is found to have been cashed, the issuer will typically provide proof, such as a copy of the cashed money order. In such instances, a refund is generally not issued. If the money order is found uncashed, the issuer will usually process a refund, which may be issued as a replacement money order or a check mailed to the claimant.

Claims can also be denied for various reasons, including the absence of the original receipt, submission of incorrect or incomplete information, or if the money order was already cashed and cleared. If a lost money order is found after you have already submitted a report, it is important to immediately notify the issuer and refrain from attempting to cash it yourself, as this could complicate the ongoing investigation.