Read this first. This tool reports public database facts (the Federal Reserve routing directory and the FDIC bank lists). It does not and cannot tell you whether a specific check, money order, or wire is genuine. The only reliable way to verify a specific instrument is to call the issuing bank or money-order company using a phone number you find yourself on their official website — never a number printed on the check or given to you by the person who sent it.
Money orders are verified directly with whoever issued them, by serial number. Use these official channels — they are the issuers' own verification lines.
USPS (Postal) money order
Verify online at usps.com or call 1-866-459-7822. You can also take it to any Post Office.
Walmart money orders are issued by MoneyGram — verify with MoneyGram (1-800-542-3590).
Phone numbers are the issuers' published verification lines. If in doubt, confirm the number on the issuer's official website.
The amount tell
USPS money orders max out at $1,000 (domestic). A "money order" for more than that is fake on its face. Western Union/MoneyGram retail limits are typically $500–$1,000 too.
How fake-check scams work
Real banks make funds available in 1–2 days, but a fake check can take weeks to bounce. By then the scammer is gone — and your bank takes the money back from you.
You're "overpaid" and asked to wire back the difference (overpayment scam).
You're asked to deposit a check and send part via Zelle, gift cards, crypto, or wire — that's the tell.
The check is for a job, prize, rental, mystery-shopper, or online-sale you didn't expect.
There's pressure to act fast before the check "expires".
If any of these match: do not deposit, do not wire anything back, and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.