I recently sold a firearm to a guy and requested he send payment via postal money order, instead he sent a western union money order. Is there anyway to verify if the money orders are legit and will western union cash their own money orders? The last time someone sent me a money order the bank it was drawn on wouldn't cash it. My credit union is located in DC and I live in PA so I can't deposit it in my account plus I'd be reluctant to do so without first being able to determine if the MO isn't fraudulant. I'm strongly considering sending the money orders back to the guy and canceling the sale. What say ye?

quote:

Originally posted by calugo:
I'm strongly considering sending the money orders back to the guy and canceling the sale. What say ye?

If the terms were postal MO then this is your answer. If a seller requests a certain payment and I’d like to use a different method, ask up front and explain why. If they are firm and I still want the item a trip to the post office is made. Not worth the risk, it’s been a long time since I’ve heard of western union being used for anything but scams.

I didn’t realize WU was still in business. I’d just find the nearest one and cash it at their office.

If in doubt- Take it to a Check Cashing Store. They'll verify the funds and cash the MO if authentic. There will be a fee though.

It really depends on how much effort you want to put into verifying/cashing the MO through Western Union.

If you have a WU close by, and they will cash it. Take it and get cash.

If that is a hassle, or they will not cash it, I would send it back to the guy and tell him that he failed the terms of the deal.

But, I would never deposit something like a WUMO and chance a it bouncing after you released your property.

I would just deposit it in my bank account and wait till it clears before I ship the firearm. The buyer may not like the extra wait but that would be faster than anything else you could do at this point.

I used western union fairly often to buy things while I was living overseas.

Usually, you just go to a western union place, give them your ID and they will cash it for you right there.

"I'm strongly considering sending the money orders back to the guy and canceling the sale. What say ye?"

I've done that before in the same circumstances you describe. And I would do it again.

Western Union has desks at the Walmarts and Krogers down here, I believe.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Western Union has desks at the Walmarts and

This. Pretty sure any Wal-Mart will cash it for about $3.