The “money order scam” or “nigerian money order scam” are both the same thing. Basically someone gains your trust and sends you a money order (no kidding, you actually receive a money order and it may be for 2000 or 3000 dollars).

It may even be a “mystery shopper” ad that you respond to where they send you 2000 dollars! It all sounds great, but you are being scammed, and many are falling for this. People assume that because they have the money order, it is as good as cash in hand. Here is how it works…. they send you the money order, you simply cash it and send them the cash in the mail, thinking there is no way you can lose since it was their money order anyways. Well the money order is actually fraudulent, but since you cashed it you now owe the bank the money once they realize what has happened. Normally the money is sent out of the country (outside of the United States) and that money is long gone. Many have gotten scammed on this by responding to scam ads on the internet, and it has even gone as far as meeting people on dating sites from outside the country, which of course they gain your trust and eventually make up a reason why they have to send you the money order to cash for them. Don’t fall for this, and be extremely carefull ANYTIME someone wants you to send them money even if it appears to be their money. Also be on high alert anytime you are sending something outside of the United States, this should be a clear signal that a scam is occurring!