A recent theft of International Postal Money Orders (IPMO) could expose your financial institution to loss if you accept the stolen items for payment. The IPMOs were recently cashed by the Mexican Postal Administration and stolen while in transit to the U.S. They are being presented for payment at financial institutions in various cities across the country.

The stolen items are similar to domestic postal money orders, except that they are pink instead of green. A copy is attached for your information. They bear a stamp - either on the front or the back - that says "pagado" (which means "paid"). If anyone presents such an item to your financial institution for payment, DO NOT PAY THE ITEM. It is invalid and will be charged back to your institution. If you can retain the IPMO, place it in a sealed envelope and send it by registered mail to:

If you cannot withhold the item from your customer, please mail a photocopy to the above address and include a brief description of the transaction along with whatever information you can provide about the person who attempted to cash the postal money order.

Information about these items also may be forwarded to the FDIC's Special Activities Section, 550 17th Street, NW, Room F-6012, Washington, DC 20429. For your reference, all FDIC Financial Institution Letters published since January of 1995 may be found on the FDIC's Web site at www.fdic.gov under "News, Events & FOIA."

Attachment: Stolen Money Orders (152Kb PDF file, PDF help or hard copy .)

Distribution: FDIC-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings)

NOTE: Paper copies of FDIC financial institution letters may be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).