After the Riots / NEWS IN BRIEF : STOLEN MONEY ORDERS : Worthless Documents Circulating

Tens of thousands of now-worthless money orders taken from stores by looters during the Los Angeles riots are being peddled to unsuspecting buyers, according to City Atty. James K. Hahn.

The money orders and imprinting machines were stolen from a number of stores during the civil unrest. Investigators believe some looters targeted businesses where they knew money orders were sold.

“We are receiving a number of reports that stolen money orders are being sold on the streets and in neighborhood stores,” Hahn said. “Anyone who buys one or accepts one as payment will be out their money, since the orders have been invalidated and are worthless.”

The stolen money orders were issued by three companies--American Express, Continental Currency Service and Travelers Express--which have set up toll-free lines people can call to determine if money orders are valid or have been canceled.

The numbers are: American Express (800) 999-9660; Continental Currency Service (800) 640-4042, and Travelers Express (800) 328-5678.

Hahn said anyone who has bought a stolen order--or received one as payment--should report it to the police.

Anyone who sells or tries to use stolen money orders may be prosecuted under laws prohibiting use of stolen property and passing fraudulent money orders, Hahn said.