Forgery Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Forgery, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Forgery?

(n) Forgery is the act of counterfeiting or otherwise altering a document, records, identity, signature etc with an intention to fake the document and draw undue benefit from that act.

History and Meaning of Forgery

Forgery has been around since the invention of writing, making it one of the oldest and most universal forms of crime. Forgery is a crime of deception or dishonesty, and it involves the creation or alteration of documents with a false intent. This can include falsifying signatures, documents, or official seals in order to create an appearance of authenticity or to gain a fraudulent advantage.

Forgery is taken very seriously by the legal system, as it can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, companies, and even governments. The penalties for forgery can be severe, including fines, imprisonment, and other legal consequences.

Examples of Forgery

Here are some examples of forgery:

  • Faking a signature on a document in order to fraudulently obtain a loan from a bank.
  • Creating false identification documents such as passports or driver's licenses.
  • Altering a legal document to change the terms of a contract.
  • Creating counterfeit banknotes or coins.

Legal Terms Similar to Forgery

Related legal terms include:

  • Fraud: A broader term that encompasses forgery as well as other types of deceit or dishonesty.
  • Counterfeiting: Similar to forgery, but specifically refers to the creation of fake money or other monetary instruments.
  • Identity theft: The act of stealing someone's personal information and using it to commit fraud or other crimes.