Mar 10, 2016, 10:21 am
Last edit by: ChrisFlyer66
This is an old thread including posts through the end of 2016. The discussion continues in the new thread:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1819025-buy-mo-s-post-office-2017-2018-gift-cards-no-longer-allowed-92.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1819025-buy-mo-s-post-office-2017-2018-gift-cards-no-longer-allowed-92.html
Buy MO's at Post Office[2016]
Dec 18, 2015, 12:41 pm
#76
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,112
If anything ,the distinction you drew is irrelevant since we assume that the accused party is ultimately innocent. This, there's no need to consider the issue of punishment, only the process of proving innocence.
Dec 18, 2015, 12:44 pm
#77
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 166
It's relevant in terms of the process of proving one's innocence. Both require a showing of documents and dealing with a large bureaucratic agency.
If anything ,the distinction you drew is irrelevant since we assume that the accused party is ultimately innocent. This, there's no need to consider the issue of punishment, only the process of proving innocence.
If anything ,the distinction you drew is irrelevant since we assume that the accused party is ultimately innocent. This, there's no need to consider the issue of punishment, only the process of proving innocence.
Dec 18, 2015, 2:06 pm
#78
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,112
I didn't say difficult. Something can be troublesome yet still easy to handle it you have the required tools. That's exactly the case with an audit. It can still be troublesome as you have to wait some time for their responses after you submit the requested information.
Dec 19, 2015, 12:07 pm
#79
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cincinnati
Programs: AA, Hyatt
Posts: 371
I didn't say difficult. Something can be troublesome yet still easy to handle it you have the required tools. That's exactly the case with an audit. It can still be troublesome as you have to wait some time for their responses after you submit the requested information.
They cannot audit your personal finances.
The IRS can, but the PIS cannot.
Dec 19, 2015, 1:05 pm
#80
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,112
I know that there are differences between an audit by the IRS and being charged by the postal service. However, it's an analogy, and it's not meant to be a perfect comparison. Analogies aren't supposed to be perfect. That's the point. They just convey information about an unfamiliar situation by drawing on similarities and differences to a familiar situation.
Dec 19, 2015, 4:51 pm
#81
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 348
Just tell them the last 4 digits. They don't need to see the card. Besides, if it is the wrong set of digits, the transaction wouldn't go through.
Dec 19, 2015, 7:07 pm
#82
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 827
And after being charged, you have to go through a process of proving that you did not commit a crime.
I know that there are differences between an audit by the IRS and being charged by the postal service. However, it's an analogy, and it's not meant to be a perfect comparison. Analogies aren't supposed to be perfect. That's the point. They just convey information about an unfamiliar situation by drawing on similarities and differences to a familiar situation.
I know that there are differences between an audit by the IRS and being charged by the postal service. However, it's an analogy, and it's not meant to be a perfect comparison. Analogies aren't supposed to be perfect. That's the point. They just convey information about an unfamiliar situation by drawing on similarities and differences to a familiar situation.
Dec 20, 2015, 9:10 am
#83
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,638
structuring.
for those curious, that is the crime the post office will suspect you of, if you keep purchasing lots of money orders in small amounts. the concern is that you are buying MOs to hide income. the real reason you are doing it is not relevant to the PO. it is the job of the investigator not to be creative themselves, but to catch (and punish) creativity.
the PO does not track or have any access to what you do with your MOs. the investigation and prosecution is all front-end, meaning that clerks are required to generate reports of suspicious MO purchases. part of the design of this reporting process is to catch people who don't give any ID at the time of purchase (e..g., using anonymous gift cards), and who make similar purchases at other POs. the biggest risk factor is buying MOs at several different POs.
the process takes a few weeks or months to get going. but when it hits, it will be a criminal prosecution. and when that happens, remember the #1 rule of law enforcement: guilty until proved innocent.
for those curious, that is the crime the post office will suspect you of, if you keep purchasing lots of money orders in small amounts. the concern is that you are buying MOs to hide income. the real reason you are doing it is not relevant to the PO. it is the job of the investigator not to be creative themselves, but to catch (and punish) creativity.
the PO does not track or have any access to what you do with your MOs. the investigation and prosecution is all front-end, meaning that clerks are required to generate reports of suspicious MO purchases. part of the design of this reporting process is to catch people who don't give any ID at the time of purchase (e..g., using anonymous gift cards), and who make similar purchases at other POs. the biggest risk factor is buying MOs at several different POs.
the process takes a few weeks or months to get going. but when it hits, it will be a criminal prosecution. and when that happens, remember the #1 rule of law enforcement: guilty until proved innocent.
Dec 20, 2015, 9:41 am
#84
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 827
structuring.
the PO does not track or have any access to what you do with your MOs. the investigation and prosecution is all front-end, meaning that clerks are required to generate reports of suspicious MO purchases. part of the design of this reporting process is to catch people who don't give any ID at the time of purchase (e..g., using anonymous gift cards), and who make similar purchases at other POs. the biggest risk factor is buying MOs at several different POs.
the PO does not track or have any access to what you do with your MOs. the investigation and prosecution is all front-end, meaning that clerks are required to generate reports of suspicious MO purchases. part of the design of this reporting process is to catch people who don't give any ID at the time of purchase (e..g., using anonymous gift cards), and who make similar purchases at other POs. the biggest risk factor is buying MOs at several different POs.
Dec 20, 2015, 10:53 am
#85
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 67
i assume everyone in this hobby read the times article on structuring last year, but the conclusion was that the irs would stop civil forfeiture unless there was underlying crime.
Dec 20, 2015, 11:42 am
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,162
Dec 20, 2015, 12:04 pm
#87
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,112
I would have guessed they would suspect a person of money laundering. But that's just what I think, a guess.
Dec 28, 2015, 10:34 pm
#89
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: JRF
Programs: AA Gold, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,784
What would happen in a civil forfeiture involving MOs at the Post Office? All your points and miles get seized?