U.S. Postal Inspectors have reported a large number of fraudulent U.S. Postal Money Orders being passed in the Metro area. Here are some of the security features that are present in authentic U.S. Postal money orders:

• A watermark of Benjamin Franklin is visible when held to the light.
• A USPS security thread is embedded in the Postal Money Order paper.
• Warning instructions are printed on the reverse side of the Postal Money Order.
• A crisp, textured paperstock.
• Red ink on Postal Money Order serial number bleeds through to the back side of the paper.
• Denominations are indicated on two locations on the Postal Money Order.
• Discoloration around the denomination amounts if they have been erased.
• Denominations are no larger than $1000.00.

If you have questions about accepting U.S. Postal Money Orders, call your nearest U.S. Postal Inspection Service office or Post Office. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS or visit www.usps.com for these telephone numbers.