In these instances, since the item was printed on actual paper, it contains all the known security features. These include a heat sensitive circle, which changes color when rubbed.
A second variation of this scam has also been seen. In this variation, the instrument is a copy of a money order purchased for a small dollar amount. These will pass muster in the system as described above, but the security features will not be present. In this second version of the scam, the dates were printed to make it appear as if the item had been purchased several weeks before the legitimate item actually was. I suspect this was to trick people who had already discovered the "washed instrument" mutation of this scam.
When I first started getting reports on these variations of the scam, I thought it might be only targeting a limited geographical area. Normally when washing items occurs, this is the case. Since then, I've discovered this is happening throughout North America, and the items are being shipped using overnight services, such as Federal Express and UPS.
I have also had reports that these are being passed not only via online come-ons, but also by professional groups who specialize in passing counterfeit instruments.
I went to the MoneyGram site to see if there were any warnings about this specific scam and found none. They do have a consumer protection area on their site, which refers to all the come-ons to trick people into cashing these items. They also have information on how to verify their product in the FAQ area for customers on their site.
The sad fact is that money order companies do not take a loss on these instruments. When the item is discovered to be a fraud, they return it to the institution who cashed it and the institution goes after (if they can find them) the person who cashed them. With any money order, it is nearly impossible to be made whole by the issuing company itself. In fact, many experts will tell you that accepting a money order is more risky than accepting a personal check. If you listen to the disclaimer on the verification line it tells you exactly that.
Article comments
1 - margaret ventura
had a lot of people trying to scam me but have them check by bank and post office. don't deposit to account it will be closed and don't deal with any one on gmail.asrtra zeneca fraud going online