Forgery and Counterfeiting

The altering, copying, or imitating of something, without authority or right, with the intent to deceive or defraud by passing the copy or thing altered or imitated as that which is original or genuine; or the selling, buying, or possession of an altered, copied, or imitated thing with the intent to deceive or defraud.

In the majority of states, forgery and counterfeiting are treated as allied offenses.

Agencies must include in this classification:

• Altering or forging public and other records
• Making, altering, forging, or counterfeiting bills, notes, drafts, tickets, checks, credit cards, etc.
• Forging wills, deeds, notes, bonds, seals, trademarks, etc.
• Counterfeiting coins, plates, banknotes, checks, etc.
• Possessing or uttering forged or counterfeited instruments
• Erasures
• Signing the name of another or fictitious person with intent to defraud
• Using forged labels
• Possession, manufacture, etc., of counterfeiting apparatuses
• Selling goods with altered, forged, or counterfeited trademarks
• Attempts to commit any of the above

Last reviewed October 2024