How to Handle Damaged/Lost Money Orders?

Money order is a very convenient way to send money. However it is possible that it may be stolen, lost or damaged while being delivered. It is possible to have the money order replaced in either case.

When money order gets damaged

Damged Postal Money Order

When a money order is damaged during its delivery, the US post office replaces it without any additional fee. The only condition for the replacement is that the negotiable portion of the money order and the receipt has to be returned to the post office.

Damaged MoneyGram Money Order

In case of a money order being damaged, Moneygram issues a new one to the user. The user has to get a MoneyGram money order claim card and then the user has to submit the following for the replacement

1. The completed claim card.
2. The original damaged money order and a copy of the money order receipt if available.
3. A $15 processing fee to the address printed on the claim card.

The time taken for the processing is about a month.

When money order is stolen or lost

Lost Postal Money Order

For replacing a money order stolen or lost sent through post office, the user has to fill Form 6401. The fee for the service is $5.40. The US post office then conducts an inquiry about the status of money order. A replacement is then issued.

Lost MoneyGram Money Order

When a money order sent through Moneygram is lost but has not been cashed, a refund is issued on the condition that the proof of purchase is supplied. As with damaged money orders, the steps for lost money orders are also the same. The user has to get a MoneyGram Money Order claim card and then the user has to submit the following for the replacement

1. The completed claim card.
2. A copy of the money order receipt.
3. A $15 processing fee to the address printed on the claim card.

The time taken for processing is about a month. But it is better to keep a limit of 65 days for total processing and mail time.

A photocopy of money order when it is cashed is provided to the user if he has paid the processing fees. In case the processing fees have not been paid, it is deducted from the refunds.

Thus not only is sending a money order easy, its replacements are also easy!