Sending Money to Someone at FCI Lompoc: MoneyGram Timing and Step-by-Step Guide
You can send money to someone at FCI Lompoc through MoneyGram. Here's what you need to know about timing, what information to have ready, and when to expect the funds to post.
Bureau of Prisons facilities accept MoneyGram transfers through the ExpressPayment Program. The money goes directly into the inmate's commissary account. One thing that surprises people: the BOP processes incoming funds seven days a week, including holidays. You're not waiting around for a business day.
Needed Info
- ✓ Inmate’s full name (spelled exactly the way the BOP has it on file)
- ✓ Inmate’s BOP register number (this is the account number you will use)
- ✓ Confirmation that the inmate has physically arrived at a BOP facility before you send
- ✓ A quick double-check of every digit and letter before you hit submit (most delays start with a typo)
Send your MoneyGram between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and the funds typically post within 2 to 4 hours. That posting time is what matters. It's when the money actually becomes available in the account.
Send after 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time? The deposit won't post until 7:00 a.m. Eastern the next morning. Don't worry if you don't see anything right away when sending late at night.
Timing reality check: Give the transfer the full posting window (2 to 4 hours, or until 7:00 a.m. ET the next morning for late-night sends) before troubleshooting. The BOP processes funds every day, including holidays.
The most common problem? Wrong inmate information. A misspelled name or incorrect BOP register number can get your payment rejected or stuck in limbo. Double-check the details using the BOP inmate locator before you send. If you need to correct something and resend, remember that processing happens seven days a week, so you won't be waiting for a weekday.
- ✓ Send between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET when you can, so you are in the 2 to 4 hour posting window
- ✓ If you send after 9:00 p.m. ET, do not expect it to post until 7:00 a.m. ET the next morning
- ✓ Re-check the inmate’s name spelling and BOP register number right before you submit
- ✓ Save your MoneyGram receipt and transaction/reference number
- Wait through the correct posting window - If you sent between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET, allow 2 to 4 hours. If you sent after 9:00 p.m. ET, wait until 7:00 a.m. ET the next morning.
- Confirm your MoneyGram transaction details - Pull up your receipt and verify the transaction/reference number, the amount, and that it was completed.
- Re-check the inmate’s BOP information - Confirm the inmate’s name and BOP register number, and make sure the inmate has physically arrived at a BOP facility.
- Escalate with the right information in hand - If the posting window has passed, contact MoneyGram with your transaction/reference number. If you still need help after that, reach out to the BOP/facility using the inmate’s identifying details. Remember that the BOP processes incoming funds seven days a week, including holidays, so timing issues are usually about the send window or incorrect information.
Before you contact anyone: Wait until the posting window has passed. Have your MoneyGram transaction or reference number ready. It's the fastest way for support to locate your payment.
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