How to Recognize a Fake Money Order
- 1
Look for the watermark. A watermark of Benjamin Franklin is featured on the left side. His face can be seen from top to bottom. Real money orders will feature the Benjamin Franklin. - 2
Find the security thread. This can be seen with a UV light. The security thread runs from the top to bottom with the letters "USPS" repeated over and over. - 3). Check for fiber. Real money orders will have random visible fibers that are easily seen with UV light.
- 4). Check out the numbers. There should not be any discoloration around the dollar amounts. If so, the numbers could have been changed.
- 5). Thieves will often steal a blank money order from the U.S. Post Office and alter them. They will make the money order out for more than the original amount, or will create counterfeit money orders.