Please be on the lookout for fake USPS money orders.

Don makes good BBQ. He is my best friend. He makes an excellent knife,too.

I don't go to the Little Creek PO anymore, unless it is to drop a letter in the box. Interesting that you knew the problems there. I used to have my PO box there, too.
 
Wow. Hope it all gets cleared up. The postmaster at my old PO was a good guy, but knife shy. Any time I'd get a package from a company or individual that had "knives" or "knife" written anywhere in shipping info, he'd look at it with a raised eyebrow and show me, then ask if I still wanted to take delivery. LMAO :D

The only problem I have with PO's in general is that I can't park in the dang parking lot of any of them. :(

--nathan
 
bladsmth said:
I'll just add that the folks working at the USPS aren't always right on such things.

I believe they change the money orders regularly when there is a rash of counterfeits. I would be willing to bet that this is a good MO and badly informed postal employees.
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I'm thinking. It wouldn't be the first time the PO screwed up royally.
 
All,

I am the member in question here in regards to this fake money order. I am as shocked as all of you. I purchased the money orders at the local post office here in Texas. I've used them before many times for paying for items instead of using PayPal. Also, to set the background, I have ordered at least $2k worth of knives and wakizashi from Johnathan in the past, and these were 3 identical customs for me and 2 friends. I have also ordered and paid for other knives from makers here on this forum who can state the same. I believe I am an honest person and would never knowingly take advantage of a person or situation. I'll let the situation speak for itself.

Now back to the issue at hand. I do have the receipts showing the serial numbers of the money orders in the correct amount (I know someone has suggested that I got money orders in a lesser value and made copies), but the receipt clearly shows the correct amount (Johnathan has seen these). I have contacted the post office where I purchased the money orders from and they have contacted Johnathan's post office. Apparently, the Texas post office is waiting for the NC post office to send the money orders back here and re-issue new ones. They are acting like it's no big deal. However, it's my reputation on the line.

I would never in a million years do anything to ruin my reputation, especially to someone I consider a friend. I've offered to do whatever is necessary to clear this up with Johnathan and handled this issue as soon as the post office opened this AM. I normally wouldn't be so public, but as Johnathan is a good person, I wanted to let everyone know, including him, that this was in no way an effort to deceive or cheat, rather what appears to be a mistake. However, I'll let you judge.

I can provide pics of receipts and points of contact that I've spoken with at the post office here, as well.

Mark
 
Lies.... all LIES!

Ha! Just messin, Mark. I'm willing to bet that the post office made a boo-boo in calling the M/O fake in the first place. That, or there is some funny business going on at the office where you purchased them. If the later is the case, I suspect some heads will roll.
 
Thanks for posting 376. Please accept my apology for any statements that others may have made that point the blame on you. There is nothing at this point to suggest that.
I don't think anyone really doubts you. This sort of situation on a public forum makes for statements of extreme content, without any real info.

I am sure the MO is good, and the PO is wrong.


Note to the others:
When posting about someone who you don't know, and when you don't know all the details and facts, it is best to avoid extreme statements.
Kick em' in the nuts and set em' on fire is the common response when someone perceives a wrong deed, but often there is another problem, not what it seems.
 
All that needs to be done is have the Post office check the numbers of the money orders on their computer to verify that they are good. In fact, when the P.O worker suspected something, that is the first thing that should've been done....right there while you waited.

Auntie Yangdu sent me a money order not too long ago to cover some shipping.
The post office told me that the M.O. was not real because it detached from the left side instead of from the top like the ones they had. They even tried to make me believe that they've never made them detaching from the left.
I told the worker i don't know what planet she just arrived from, but as far as i'm aware, money orders had always detached from the left and the detachment from the top was a recent development. She said she'd have to look them up on the computer to verify. I told her she'd better do so, as i was sure they were legit unless the P.O. is counterfieting it's own money orders and selling them out of their own offices.

10 minutes later they were verified and i was walking out the door with cash in hand.
 
376 said:
All,

I am the member in question here in regards to this fake money order. I am as shocked as all of you. I purchased the money orders at the local post office here in Texas. I've used them before many times for paying for items instead of using PayPal. Also, to set the background, I have ordered at least $2k worth of knives and wakizashi from Johnathan in the past, and these were 3 identical customs for me and 2 friends. I have also ordered and paid for other knives from makers here on this forum who can state the same. I believe I am an honest person and would never knowingly take advantage of a person or situation. I'll let the situation speak for itself.

Now back to the issue at hand. I do have the receipts showing the serial numbers of the money orders in the correct amount (I know someone has suggested that I got money orders in a lesser value and made copies), but the receipt clearly shows the correct amount (Johnathan has seen these). I have contacted the post office where I purchased the money orders from and they have contacted Johnathan's post office. Apparently, the Texas post office is waiting for the NC post office to send the money orders back here and re-issue new ones. They are acting like it's no big deal. However, it's my reputation on the line.

I would never in a million years do anything to ruin my reputation, especially to someone I consider a friend. I've offered to do whatever is necessary to clear this up with Johnathan and handled this issue as soon as the post office opened this AM. I normally wouldn't be so public, but as Johnathan is a good person, I wanted to let everyone know, including him, that this was in no way an effort to deceive or cheat, rather what appears to be a mistake. However, I'll let you judge.

I can provide pics of receipts and points of contact that I've spoken with at the post office here, as well.

Mark
Click to expand...

Hi Mark. Thanks for posting, although you certainly didn't have to. I don't think anyone is questioning your integrity.

When I went to the PO Friday, I had a feeling that they were mistaken or made some sort of error. That is why I went downtown to the main PO Saturday morning for a second opinion.

I know that you are a honest guy, and consider you a friend. This is why I didn't mention your name when forum members asked for it earlier in the thread.

I know some members got a little carried away with their comments, but I'll attribute that to the "tight knit" nature of the forum. Besides, I'm not the kind of guy to make assumptions.

The main purpose of this thread was to make everyone aware that there are indeed fake money orders in circulation as evidenced by some of the (semi-obvious) fakes I was shown at the PO. Honestly, I didn't think people had figured out how to make fake PO money orders.

I suppose this thread also serves to show that the PO is often times incompetent, and that genuine money orders are sometimes mistaken for fakes.

I stopped by the PO today to mail off some knives, and asked them about the situation again.

I explained that you sent me a copy of the receipts, and that the transaction was legitimate. They couldn't offer any ideas as to what went wrong.

Your guess is as good as mine, but I hope they get this squared away quickly for you.

BTW, did you get the contact numbers for the local Postmaster that I sent you via text?
 
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Rick Marchand said:
While deception may be possible, incompetence is always probable.
Click to expand...

Well put.

I've found that is true too.

The one good thing about the internet is that you can read their policies and procedures first and go in better informed than they are.
And as already posted, you can verify them yourself before walking in.

The one area that companies can cut costs on is labour by hiring low wage new part time employees and not spending time training them
 
there is one major thing here that bothers me . Johnathan was shown a stack of fake M/O by the post master . Why are they there ? Counterfeiting is a federal offense and they should be in the hands of the FBI or the PO inspector agent .

Am I wrong ?
 
ONeill said:
there is one major thing here that bothers me . Johnathan was shown a stack of fake M/O by the post master . Why are they there ? Counterfeiting is a federal offense and they should be in the hands of the FBI or the PO inspector agent .
Click to expand...

I'm guessing that Postmaster will be starting a new career as a Wal*Mart greeter next month.
 
yes, they absolutly should..They should have already been turned over to a postal inspector or the secret service..
ONeill said:
there is one major thing here that bothers me . Johnathan was shown a stack of fake M/O by the post master . Why are they there ? Counterfeiting is a federal offense and they should be in the hands of the FBI or the PO inspector agent .

Am I wrong ?
Click to expand...
 
ONeill said:
there is one major thing here that bothers me . Johnathan was shown a stack of fake M/O by the post master . Why are they there ? Counterfeiting is a federal offense and they should be in the hands of the FBI or the PO inspector agent .

Am I wrong ?
Click to expand...

IIRC, he stated that they "send them to Washington". (To the Postmaster General perhaps?).

I wonder how many of those were actually fakes. A few clearly were, but who knows about the others.

My opinion of the USPS went down quite a bit as a result of all this, and it wasn't very high to begin with.

I don't think the PO realizes the potential harm this level of incompetence could create.

BTW, the PO does not give you any documentation when they confiscate a MO. I requested the Postmaster's business card, but that was all they would provide.

I will be speaking with the Postmaster tomorrow to check the status of everything. I want to ensure that Mark has his money refunded ASAP.
 
Last edited:
bladsmth said:
Thanks for posting 376. Please accept my apology for any statements that others may have made that point the blame on you. There is nothing at this point to suggest that.
I don't think anyone really doubts you. This sort of situation on a public forum makes for statements of extreme content, without any real info.

I am sure the MO is good, and the PO is wrong.


Note to the others:
When posting about someone who you don't know, and when you don't know all the details and facts, it is best to avoid extreme statements.
Kick em' in the nuts and set em' on fire is the common response when someone perceives a wrong deed, but often there is another problem, not what it seems.
Click to expand...

Stacy,

Thank you for being so gracious, however there is no need for an apology from you or anyone else. I enjoy the tight knit nature of our group of knife lovers and we stick together especially when someone tries to scam a fellow member. I'm a veteran (although young) and enjoy the camaraderie, it's refreshing in a back stabbing world.

I apologize if I came off as defensive, pissy or butt-hurt, it was not my intention. The way I look at is, all Johnathan knew of me, or anyone for that matter, was just black and white words on a screen. We've never met in person, so all anyone has to go off of is my profile and posts, which are sparse at best. I tend to be a private person due to my background, so I can see how this could lead someone to think I was being less than truthful or hiding something. So, I figured the best way to alleviate the pressure was to speak up and offer a bit of a background. My reasoning was that if others would vouch for me in past deals then, it would be more convincing than saying I'm a stand up guy. Even POS's think they are great, but not many others agree.

I thought it best to speak up and let others know what's going on, because this is really bizarre, but honestly I'm not surprised. I just didn't want an angry mob showing up at my doorstep. My 150 lb Mastiff and a few AR's would've greeted them......just joking.

Mitchell Knives said:
Hi Mark. Thanks for posting, although you certainly didn't have to. I don't think anyone is questioning your integrity.

When I went to the PO Friday, I had a feeling that they were mistaken or made some sort of error. That is why I went downtown to the main PO Saturday morning for a second opinion.

I know that you are a honest guy, and consider you a friend. This is why I didn't mention your name when forum members asked for it earlier in the thread.

I know some members got a little carried away with their comments, but I'll attribute that to the "tight knit" nature of the forum. Besides, I'm not the kind of guy to make assumptions.


BTW, did you get the contact numbers for the local Postmaster that I sent you via text?
Click to expand...

Johnathan,

I apologize if I came across as defensive or butt-hurt, it wasn't my intention but you know how that goes. I want to be clear that I never thought you or anyone else was questioning my integrity. If it seems that way, I apologize to you all. I just wanted everyone to be aware that I wasn't trying to be deceitful, it wouldn't be the first time someone has been scammed by a fellow member, unfortunately. The way I see it is, I'd air it all out and if the lynch mob still wanted to come, then bring it...I'm game :) Seriously though, I'm glad you posted this thread as this is an issue all should be aware of.

My main concern was to make things right with you, no matter if that meant mailing out another MO. It's a crazy situation and I really appreciate your patience and understanding in dealing with this. You are a very talented knifemaker and an even better person, I'm honored to be your friend. That's why I was so concerned about this.

Rick Marchand said:
Lies.... all LIES!

Ha! Just messin, Mark. I'm willing to bet that the post office made a boo-boo in calling the M/O fake in the first place. That, or there is some funny business going on at the office where you purchased them. If the later is the case, I suspect some heads will roll.
Click to expand...

Rick,
Ouch!! Hahah, well I guess you're going to have to sell me a knife for that comment :) I can pay with some "special money orders".

Mitchell Knives said:
IIRC, he stated that they "send them to Washington". (To the Postmaster General perhaps?).

I wonder how many of those were actually fakes. A few clearly were, but who knows about the others.

My opinion of the USPS went down quite a bit as a result of all this, and it wasn't very high to begin with.

I don't think the PO realizes the potential harm this level of incompetence could create.

BTW, the PO does not give you any documentation when they confiscate a MO. I requested the Postmaster's business card, but that was all they would provide.

I will be speaking with the Postmaster tomorrow to check the status of everything. I want to ensure that Mark has his money refunded ASAP.
Click to expand...

See what a nice guy Johnathan is? He wants me to have the knives and my money :) I'm glad that you were on your toes about getting that contact info, it made all the difference.

I'm thinking the post office must get a bonus for every "fake" they find, hence the stack :) Like the "supposed" Intelligence fail leading up to the invasion of Iraq, they see only what they want to see, and apparently at the post office they see lots of fakes. All, I know is there are probably a bunch of pis*ed off people in Wilson without money. And the public wonders how the post office is losing money.

I sent you an email detailing the latest news in this drama.
 
The Saga Continues.....

The latest from the post office here in TX is that they have contacted the NC post office and spoke with the post master. Apparently, he already sent the MO out (to DC I assume) and was attempting to intercept the package and then send the MO back here to TX. Then the TX post office will issue new MO (or MO's) and overnight them back to Johnathan. If all goes well, then this may be resolved and squared away by the end of the week. Wow, it's sure a lot of work to fix a screw up.

I appreciate Johnathan's patience with all of this, he's a great guy.
 
Government "worker-bees" are not usually the problem... it is the system that has made them to look incompetent. My wife has worked for the Canadian government for 11yrs. Ever go to an old age(senior care) home, where many of the "guests" believe they actually work there? They are given "tasks" to do that mean nothing and are not held responsible for screw ups because, hey... the home gets paid just to have them there, anyway. Yeah, that's how most of government management is run. It trickles down to the workers, who communicate it to the public. Most of upper management has never worked in the private sector and have no idea how to run a business. At least that is the impression I get.
 
I agree the incompetence at the post office (and most other places) starts at the top. Give enough conflicting or ambiguous directives, rules and laws then let let even the most incompetent rise to the top through a seniority system and you will have a mess. Look at congress.
 
I just received the following email from the local Postmaster:

"Johnathan, I talked to the Postal Inspector on this issue and it seems the money orders are good. Sorry to have put you thru this but we have to make sure we are not accepting fake money order. I have return the money orders to Texas and the Postmaster informed me new money order will be cut and mail back to you. If you need any information from me please feel free to give me a call."

They seriously owe Mark an apology plus interest for tying up his money for so long.

This will never happen, but I can dream!

It's kind of sad that the PO can't even identify a genuine MO.
 
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