SOS! Payment Issue Advice Needed

[Val J.]

I have a rental property. My tenant was unavailable when rent was due so she had a family member to get a money order to pay me. The money order was bought at one of those small Mexican franchise grocery stores. I held the money order for more than 30 days and when I went to deposit it I then read on it that it expired in 30 days. The store told me that I couldn't do anything (even though it is made out to pay) because I did not purchase it and the family member signed her name as purchaser. I've contacted this person two weeks in a row to ask about when she would be willing to come and cash the money order. The store stated that only the purchaser can cash it or be reissued a new money order and they state that it must be at the same location. She seems to give me the run around. She states she works all the time and she has lives about a 20 minute drive from the store. The money order is NOT in her possession the tenant has it. Any thoughts on what I can do to get my money?

[Chris Martin]

Have you tried to cash the MO at your bank? US based money services are under the jurisdiction of the FDIC. I'd be surprised if TX allows a 30 day expiration of a MO. If the bank will not honor the MO, which I think they WILL, I would call the and open a complaint against the grocery store.

I've been paid with MOs well over 30 days.  Like 6 months. One was delayed in the mail. It arrived in a plastic bag with apologies from the USPS. One was bought by a tenant who tended to pay in advance, sometimes 3 or more months. Good guy. Hard worker, but his job was seasonal (landscaping) and he planned ahead.

Try your bank first... let us know how it goes.