What to Do if You Fill Out a Money Order Wrong
Accidentally filled out a money order wrong? Get clear steps to resolve errors, whether it's in your hands or already mailed.
Money orders are a common and secure method for sending funds when cash or personal checks are not options. Mistakes can occur, leading to complications. Understanding how to address these errors is important to ensure your funds reach the intended recipient or are recovered.
Identifying the Type of Error and Its Implications
The appropriate course of action for a money order error depends on what information was filled out incorrectly and when the mistake was discovered. Common errors include an incorrect payee name, an inaccurate amount, or mistakes in the sender’s details. Each type of error can affect the money order’s validity or usability.
An incorrect payee name can prevent the intended recipient from cashing the money order, as identification is required to match the name on the order. If the amount is written incorrectly, it could lead to the money order being rejected or cashed for an unintended sum. Errors in the sender’s name or address usually have less impact on the money order’s validity for the recipient, but they can complicate tracking or refund processes for the sender. The timing of discovery—before or after transmission—significantly impacts the available solutions.
Rectifying Errors When the Money Order is Still With You
If you discover an error on a money order while it is still in your possession, do not alter or scratch out any information on the document. Alterations can invalidate the money order and make it ineligible for cashing or refund. Providers will not accept documents with such changes due to security reasons.
Instead, contact the place of purchase, such as a post office, bank, or retail store. Most issuers offer a refund or replacement for an incorrectly filled money order, provided it has not been cashed. You will need to present the original money order, the purchase receipt or stub, and personal identification. A small fee, often $20-$30, might be associated with a refund or replacement, depending on the issuer and whether you have the receipt.
Addressing Issues After the Money Order Has Been Sent
If an incorrectly filled money order has already been sent, resolving the issue becomes more involved. First, track the money order’s status using the serial number on your stub or receipt. Most issuers provide online tracking tools or customer service lines where you can check if the money order has been cashed. Having the receipt is crucial, as it contains the unique identifier needed for tracking and any subsequent actions.
If the money order has not been cashed, you may be able to initiate a stop payment request through the issuer. This requires filling out a specific form, providing details like the serial number and information about the sender and payee. A fee, typically $15 to $30, is usually charged for this service, and the process can take several weeks, up to 60 days, to complete. It is important to note that some issuers, like the USPS, do not offer stop payments on money orders but instead have an inquiry process that can lead to a replacement if the money order is confirmed lost or uncashed.
If the money order was incorrectly filled and cashed by someone other than the intended payee, the situation becomes more complex. Report the issue to the money order issuer, providing all available details and documentation. The issuer may be able to provide a photocopy of the cashed money order, which can be helpful if you need to involve law enforcement due to suspected fraud. While a refund is generally not possible if the money order has been cashed, the documentation can support efforts to recover funds or pursue legal action.