Creating "a false document, signature, or other imitation of an object of value used with the intention to deceive another into believing it is the real thing" constitutes forgery. Therefore, when someone signs your signature for you either physically or electronically, that person commits an act of forgery, which is a crime.
Full Answer
Is it illegal to sign someone else's name without their permission?
If you do not have permission from the person in question, signing their name without authorization is called forgery. Is it illegal to use someone else's name for any purpose without the person's permission? No. There are many situations in which a person can legally use the name of someone else.
What is it called when someone else signs your name?
Having someone else sign your name is called the “ratification of a forgery”, and is common practice among those who must sign many documents and can afford to pay others to do so for them. Ratified forgery falls under concept of “agency”.
Is it forgery to sign someone's name with permission?
Signing another's name with permission is not forgery, but be sure that you sign in a way that reveals the permission. Please answer a few questions to help us match you with attorneys in your area. By clicking “Submit,” you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms.
What is it called when someone signs your signature for You?
Forgery. Creating "a false document, signature, or other imitation of an object of value used with the intention to deceive another into believing it is the real thing" constitutes forgery, according to Nolo. Therefore, when someone signs your signature for you, that person commits an act of forgery, which is a crime.
What is it called when someone signs you without permission?
Under the law, this is called "procuration," which means by proxy or agent (basically, one acting on behalf of another with the other's authority). Signing as a proxy or agent is limited to a specific purpose, like signing your lease.
What happens if someone signed your name?
The penalties include criminal charges, jail time, documents annulment, money reimbursement for the victim, or more. If you or your company are a victim of signature forgery, it is highly recommended to seek legal advice from an attorney immediately as fraud or forgery cases often have a statute of limitations.
Is signing for someone else illegal?
Penal Code 470(a) makes it illegal to sign specific documents with someone else's name without their permission. In order to prove you guilty in California, the prosecution has to show that, You signed someone else's name.
What is simple forgery?
A simple forgery is one in which no attempt has been made to imitate a genuine signature. It may be the signature of a particular person, or it could be a fictitious name. A simple forgery is the easiest type of forgery to identify because it does not resemble a known signature.
What happens if an Unauthorised person signs a contract?
The unauthorized signature becomes valid so far as its effect as a signature is concerned. Although the ratification may relieve the signer of liability on the instrument, it does not of itself relieve the signer of liability to the person whose name is signed. It does not in any way affect the criminal law.
Can you sue someone for faking your signature?
Even if the contract appears to be valid, fraud is a defense to enforcement of the contract. If a party wishes to sue the party whose signature was forged. Forgery is considered fraud in the execution. Fraud in the execution voids the contract so that there is no valid contract.
Is signature forgery a crime?
Forgery implies false document, signature or other imitation of the object of utility used with the intent to deceive another. Those who commit forgery are usually charged with the crime of fraud. Objects of the forgery include contracts, identification cards, and legal certificates.
What are the rules for signatures?
Legal signature requirementsWriting their name.The drawing of a symbol.Use a special character.A unique handwritten manner of writing one's name.Even literally an “X”Digital signature.
How do you prove a forged signature?
Have three documents, two with signatures of same person, which are genuine and match. Third document alleged forged signature of person who signed on document one and two mentioned earlier.
What are the 4 types of forgery?
Types of ForgeriesSimulated/Copied forgery/Forgery by Memory.Traced forgery.Freehand forgery (forgery without model/impersonation)Transplanting revenue stamps bearing a genuine signature.Erasures and Alteration in Documents.
What are the 3 classes of forgery?
The Three Types of ForgeryForgery and Aggravated Forgery –Falsifying or altering a document.Check Forgery – falsifying or altering a check.Counterfeit Currency – Creating counterfeit money or another form of financial obligation.
What is spurious signature?
A "spurious signature" written by somebody who did not attempt to imitate the signa- ture of a person, but who uses a fictitious name and tries to give his work the appear- ance of that we call "a signature."
2 attorney answers
If you didn't sign it and you never agreed to it and you never authorized anyone else to agree to it for you, then the general rule is that there is no binding contract at all. But, of course, you may have to prove all of that.
Ronald Lee Burdge
If you didn't sign it and you never agreed to it and you never authorized anyone else to agree to it for you, then the general rule is that there is no binding contract at all. But, of course, you may have to prove all of that.
What is it called when you sign as a proxy?
Where a person is appointed to act as another's agent for all legal purposes (as opposed to the single, limited act that you have been appointed to perform), this is called "power of attorney.".
What is the meaning of "signing as an authorized representative"?
Signing as an Authorized Representative. When one person gives another permission to sign a legally significant document on his behalf, the signer is essentially acting as an authorized representative for the other person.
What does the P.P. mean in a signature?
The letters "p.p." before your signature on behalf of your brother indicate that the signature is under procuration (that is, on behalf of another with permission). You may type or handwrite the letters just to the left of your signature to indicate that you are signing under procuration.
What is a legally significant document?
A legally significant document is one that affects legal rights or duties, a definition that certainly includes the lease in question.
What does it mean when your brother asks you to sign a lease?
Under the law, this is called "procuration," which means by proxy or agent (basically, one acting on behalf of another with the other's authority).
Can you sign a lease on behalf of your brother?
You are not intending to defraud anyone nor are you doing so. Thus, you would not be committing fraud by sig ning the lease on behalf of your brother. Be aware, however, that there is a particular way that this signing should be done to make clear that you are signing with your brother's express authority.
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What to do if someone signs your signature for you?
As soon as you find out that someone signs your signature for you, you may contact the party that received the document containing the forged signature. This allows the recipient of the document to correct any past actions and stop any future actions authorized by the forged signature.
What to do if someone sues you for not signing a contract?
For example, if another party sues you because you do not carry out the terms of a contract signed by an authorized person, you may consult a lawyer or attorney and go to court. You may also have to obtain the service of a handwriting expert to verify that the signature was indeed forged.
How long do you have to report a forged signature?
Depending on the recipient, you may have to report the forgery within a certain time period. For example, your bank may require that you provide notification within 60 days of you receiving the account statement ...
What happens if someone forges your signature?
Having someone forge your signature on some type of document can have serious consequences. For example, the unauthor ized signer may gain access to the funds in your bank accounts or make it seem like you agree to unreasonable terms in legal contracts.
What is a forgery signature?
Understanding the Concept of Forgery. Creating "a false document, signature, or other imitation of an object of value used with the intention to deceive another into belie ving it is the real thing" constitutes forgery. Therefore, when someone signs your signature for you either physically or electronically, that person commits an act of forgery, ...
Can a bank reimburse you for a forged signature?
For example, a bank may only agree to reimburse your money after you sign an affidavit stating that the signature is forged. You have to sign the affidavit so the document recipient can investigate the matter.
