Beware of Counterfeit USPS Money Orders    

Recently, another twist to the "Nigerian" counterfeit scam has surfaced at several credit unions and banks. Consumers are being contacted by the scammer via the Internet and are asked to help negotiate United States Postal Service (USPS) money orders. The scammer says that he cannot get to the United States to negotiate them. The victim is told that if they help cash the money orders for this unfortunate person, they can keep a percentage of the item or a flat fee. The remaining funds are to be wire transferred to the scammer outside of the United States. Frequently there are five or six items to be cashed, with each item being $1,000 or less. The counterfeit money orders are very good. To prevent you from becoming a victim, here is a list of distinguishing features of USPS money orders:

• A Ben Franklin watermark on the left side.
• A silver thread running from top to bottom on the left side.
• The USPS shield on the right side.
• A value of no more than $1,000.
• For more security features go to the USPS Web site: http://www.usps.com/missingmoneyorders/security.htm

Your awareness of this scheme, and others like it can prevent you from becoming a victim. Although the credit union closely monitors items being deposited or cashed by our members, you are in the best position to prevent fraud.

If you have been a victim, forward all of the information including: (1) email correspondence, (2) how you were contacted, and (3) the postal money orders, to your local office of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). You can find a listing of local USPIS offices at: http://www.usps.com/ncsc/locators/find-is.html.