S-12 DMM Issue 58 (8-10-03)
S020.3.2 Money Orders and Other Services
S
Payment
3.2
The postmaster general has the usual right of a drawee to examine money orders
presented for payment by banks through the Federal Reserve System and to
refuse payment of money orders, and has a reasonable time after presentation to
make each examination. Provisional credit is given to the Federal Reserve Bank
when it furnishes the money orders for payment by the postmaster general. Money
orders are deemed paid only after examination is completed, subject to the
postmaster general’s right to make reclamation under 3.4.
Endorsement
3.3
The presenting bank and the endorser of a money order presented for payment
are deemed to guarantee to the postmaster general that all prior endorsements
are genuine, whether an express guarantee to that effect is placed on the money
order. When an endorsement is made by a person other than the payee personally,
the presenting bank and the endorser are deemed to guarantee to the postmaster
general, in addition to other warranties, that the person who so endorsed had
capacity and authority to endorse the money order for the payee.
Reclamation
3.4
The postmaster general has the right to demand refund from the presenting bank
of the amount of a paid money order if, after payment, the money order is found to
be stolen, or to have a forged or unauthorized endorsement, or to contain any
material defect or alteration not discovered on examination. Such right includes,
but is not limited to, the right to make reclamation of the amount by which a
genuine money order with a proper and authorized endorsement has been raised.
Such right must be exercised within a reasonable time after the postmaster general
discovers that the money order is stolen, bears a forged or unauthorized
endorsement, or is otherwise defective. If refund is not made by the presenting
bank within 60 days after demand, the postmaster general takes such actions as
may be necessary to protect the interests of the United States.
4.0 NONPOSTAL SERVICES
Bird Hunting Stamps
4.1
Migratory-bird hunting and conservation stamps (“bird stamps”) are required by
federal law for the hunting of migratory birds, such as ducks and geese. As a public
convenience, these stamps are sold at all post offices in CAGs A through J and,
based on demand, at designated offices in CAGs K and L. These post offices act
as agents of the federal government for this function. Blocks composed of two or
more attached unused stamps, sold on consignment to any person but not resold,
may be redeemed at any time on or before the last day of the stamp year. Stamps
may not be redeemed if they are validated by signature or appear removed from a
hunting license or identification card.
U.S. Savings Stamps
4.2
Post offices no longer redeem U.S. savings stamps posted in albums, previously
acceptable as postal funds. Customers should contact a Federal Reserve Bank or
branch, or mail albums at their own risk to the Bureau of the Public Debt, U.S.
Department of the Treasury.
U.S. Savings Bonds
4.3
The USPS discontinued over-the-counter sales of U.S. savings bonds on March
26, 1977, at the request of the Treasury Department. Inquiries should be made to
local financial institutions or the Treasury Department.
Postal Savings
4.4
The Postal Savings System was discontinued by Public Law 89-377, approved
March 28, 1966. The effective date for closing the system was April 27, 1966. The
final expiration date was July 13, 1985, for inquiries that could lead to recovery of
money invested in Postal Savings Accounts and/or Postal Savings Certificates.
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