what is the law in california concerning a found western union money order?

Question

I found a Western Union money order in the parking lot in a busy shopping plaza. The receipt/stub is still attached. There is no name, address, or other information on it. There is a dollar amount printed on it. I have tried calling Western Union customer service, but just got a recording. I tried calling a local W.U. site in one of the stores out here, but they weren't able to give me any information (or advice). I was trying to locate the owner, so I can return it to him. Now that I can't find the owner, what should I do? I've never had a money order, so what is the legal issues regarding it? Is it like a check that has to be signed by a particular person? Or is it like a $20 bill that can be used by anyone? What is the law about a found money order, if I can't locate the owner?
Also, are there other ways to find the owner?

Answer 1

When money orders are purchased there is no name attached to the money order. As long as it is not filled out anyone can make it out to themselves and sign it. There really is no way of finding the owner. One of the stores where you found it probably sold it. Someone might have gone asking about it. If you really wanted to try to give it back to the owner you could bring it to the local police station. If it goes unclaimed after a certain amount of time it becomes yours.

Answer 2

This is a moral dilemma, not a legal one. If Western Union won't help you track the owner, then it's up to you what to do with it. There is no "law" that governs. Just like finding that 20 dollar bill.



You could post flyers or an ad in classifieds of your local paper saying something like- "Found Item in parking lot at "x" street- call if you lost something". Don't say you found a Western Union money order. It's really up to what you think is right.

Answer 3

As a good citizen you should go to thenearest Western Union and return it. They should be able to track the person that bought it.

Answer 4

It can only be used by the person to whom it is issued. You're just out of luck. I suggest you turn the money order in to the nearest Western Union office.