Can I still cash a Western Union money order that has my sister's signature?

Question

I just got a Western Union money order from a person I sold a shirt to on an online selling and trading forum. I had requested a USPS money order, but she sent me a Western Union one, and for some reason the forum hasn't been working and I can't get into contact with her. So I decided to try to cash the money order but since I'm under 18 without a state ID (New York), my sister (18+) usually helps me cash my money orders into her bank account. But she said at the bank, the teller says my sister can't cash it for me. The thing is, she signed the back of the money order beforehand, and the back of the money order says "Should this item bear any unauthorized signature...". :( Is there any way I can still cash it? Say at a Western Union office, when both my sister and I are present? Please let me know, thanks in advance!

Answer 1

If you go to a western union office and explain the situation, they should be able to cash it. However, they will require an valid government issued ID or passport to cash the money order. If you have no ID, you can either get one from DMV (and yes it is possible even though you're a minor) or deposit the money order into your sister's account and ask her to withdraw the funds in a few days when they become available in your account.

Answer 2

None of the places that the others have mentioned (including Western Union locations and Walmart) will cash a WU money order. Without being willing to put it in a bank account, you are basically SOL.

Answer 3

You may need to go to the bank where your sister has an account. They know her and, maybe, you, too. As a regular patron, they will be more likely to sort this out. As for W.U., they should always cash their own money orders, just as the USPS cashes theirs, but they do have rules!

Answer 4

I would certainly think a western union office would cash it, with ID.