Western Union Money Orders?

[BigNate]

I received a payment from a guy and he sent me a western union money order. I know there are a ton of scams with these things and I can't seem to locate the water mark. The guy has 800 etc. positive feedback on ebay but I notice it's alot of the same seller. Anyone got any ideas how not to get burned on this thing?

[nuccionino]

Isn't the scam with transfers? Try cashing it, if it cashes then send the card. If not, then don't send. Not sure why you are so worried. If it is a fake one... doubful... Then you still don't lose anything.

[Zacky1053]

Originally Posted by nuccionino

Isn't the scam with transfers? Try cashing it, if it cashes then send the card. If not, then don't send. Not sure why you are so worried. If it is a fake one... doubful... Then you still don't lose anything.

Yeah if he's able to cash the money order I don't see the problem.

If it's fake, it won't be honored by WU.

[BigNate]

Originally Posted by nuccionino

Isn't the scam with transfers? Try cashing it, if it cashes then send the card. If not, then don't send. Not sure why you are so worried. If it is a fake one... doubful... Then you still don't lose anything.

That's not true. The bank will clear the money order to cash. I then send the card and my bank said it would take 6 to 8 weeks to come back as a fake, then they would deduct the money from my account if it was. I just need to know what the watermark looks like, and where is it located on these.

[BigNate]

For some reason western union doesn't like to cash their own money orders

[jt16]

Originally Posted by BigNate

I received a payment from a guy and he sent me a western union money order. I know there are a ton of scams with these things and I can't seem to locate the water mark. The guy has 800 etc. positive feedback on ebay but I notice it's alot of the same seller. Anyone got any ideas how not to get burned on this thing?

I sell these out of my check cashing store. Call western union. Ask them to run the money order number to see if it has been reported lost or stolen.

Deposit it in your bank and WAIT until it clears. I would wait at least 7 business days. Your bank might clear it right away depending on your balance, but if it is fake the bank will take the money without notice.

[Whodatiz]

What's the person's eBay username? I've had one individual message me multiple times about sending a WU money order...never accepted it. The messages were always poorly written. I think the guy was from Mexico.

[BigNate]

This guys from close by. Another state over but I could drive to his town in a half hour.

[nuccionino]

Originally Posted by BigNate

This guys from close by. Another state over but I could drive to his town in a half hour.

How big was the deal? Why not meet him halfway, 15 minute drive.

[Texans81]

I personally would not accept the money order as payment. In fact, (and I could be wrong on this so correct me if I am) ebay policy is paypal only as far as payment methods. Other payment methods can be used between a buyer and seller but if anything goes bugger, ebay will tell you tough sh*t.

In the future, I'd suggest adding something to your listing saying that you accept only paypal and no other payment methods are acceptable. That way you're covered all the way around and if someone wins your item and then tries to pay via money order you can just tell them no and there's really not anything they can do about it.

[nuccionino]

Originally Posted by Texans81

I personally would not accept the money order as payment. In fact, (and I could be wrong on this so correct me if I am) ebay policy is paypal only as far as payment methods. Other payment methods can be used between a buyer and seller but if anything goes bugger, ebay will tell you tough sh*t.

In the future, I'd suggest adding something to your listing saying that you accept only paypal and no other payment methods are acceptable. That way you're covered all the way around and if someone wins your item and then tries to pay via money order you can just tell them no and there's really not anything they can do about it.

Paypal and eBay are the same company so no wonder they say that. Plus it is harder to protect a buyer when they said cash or money order. And we all know eBay only cares about the buyer. The OP could of said he never got payment and win, Paypal is easier for both parties for a bad situation.

[Zerokruel]

Originally Posted by Texans81

I personally would not accept the money order as payment. In fact, (and I could be wrong on this so correct me if I am) ebay policy is paypal only as far as payment methods. Other payment methods can be used between a buyer and seller but if anything goes bugger, ebay will tell you tough sh*t.

In the future, I'd suggest adding something to your listing saying that you accept only paypal and no other payment methods are acceptable. That way you're covered all the way around and if someone wins your item and then tries to pay via money order you can just tell them no and there's really not anything they can do about it.

Sellers can't ask for other forms of payment other than PayPal - but you can accept them. However, only in certain categories.

Accepted Payments Policy

[bigzig]

Originally Posted by Texans81

I personally would not accept the money order as payment. In fact, (and I could be wrong on this so correct me if I am) ebay policy is paypal only as far as payment methods. Other payment methods can be used between a buyer and seller but if anything goes bugger, ebay will tell you tough sh*t.

In the future, I'd suggest adding something to your listing saying that you accept only paypal and no other payment methods are acceptable. That way you're covered all the way around and if someone wins your item and then tries to pay via money order you can just tell them no and there's really not anything they can do about it.

A seller is better protected against scams with a postal MO or cash. If the buyer has an issue, they can't run to paypal and file a bogus claim.

A seller can accept any form of payment they wish, but can not ask for any other forms except one of Ebay's approved electronic transfer companies. The most popular one, of course, is paypal. But there are others you can accept.


Personally I don't accept anything besides paypal, postal mo, or cash. To many possiblities of fraud with WU, or bounced personal checks.

[Shogun2049]

Actually, some banks and credit unions won't even accept money orders at all. Too much fraud with them. Having worked for a credit union and multiple casinos (in their cage departments), I'd NEVER take a money order. Not 1 casino in Reno will cash a money order, but we'll cash everything else.

Western Union Money Orders, from the 15 minute research I just ran, have NO security measures. Meaning, there's no security strip or watermark in the valid ones. Grab a magnifying glass and check the signature line. It should be the only security measure that they are required to have. It should be microprinted words saying "western union" or something else. I'd say use a black light to verify the MO, but I doubt they'd have any UV protection.

Best option: deposit it in your bank account and tell the cashier that you want a 7 business day hold placed on the money order. They should oblige with no problem. Inform the buyer that the item will ship once the money order clears and that your bank placed a 7 day hold on it as standard procedure. Once the check clears and the funds are in your account, then ship the item to the buyer.