What to Do If Someone Forges Your Signature

What to Do If Someone Forges Your Signature

What to Do If Someone Forges Your Signature

A forged signature can wreak havoc on your life—whether it's tied to a financial contract, a property deed, a check, or a legal document. Forgery is not just unethical; it’s a crime. But when you’re the victim of signature fraud, it’s not always easy to know what to do first. Panic and confusion can easily set in—especially if the forgery leads to financial loss, legal complications, or damage to your reputation.

If you believe someone has forged your signature, here’s a step-by-step guide to protecting yourself, undoing the damage, and taking legal action if necessary.


1. Identify the Forged Document

Start by confirming exactly what document or transaction includes the forged signature. Forgery can show up in many places:

  • Credit card or loan applications
  • Lease agreements
  • Checks or promissory notes
  • Real estate documents (like deeds or titles)
  • Contracts or waivers
  • Tax forms or business filings
  • Consent or authorization forms

Get a copy of the original document and review it carefully. Look for signs like incorrect dates, mismatched handwriting, or inconsistencies in how your name or title is written.

If the document is financial in nature, review associated transactions—such as bank withdrawals, credit usage, or property transfers—to get a full picture of the impact.


2. Secure Your Finances and Identity

Forgery often goes hand-in-hand with identity theft. If you suspect someone has signed something in your name, there’s a chance they’ve also accessed your personal data. Take immediate steps to secure your accounts and credit:

  • Contact your bank and credit card companies to flag potential fraud
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit file with major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
  • Request and review your credit reports
  • Change passwords and secure sensitive accounts

If the forged document involved a large transaction or legal agreement, notify your accountant or financial advisor right away.


3. Document Everything

Start keeping a file of all related records, including:

  • The forged document(s)
  • A side-by-side of your authentic signature
  • Emails, letters, or messages that support your claim
  • Notes on when and how you discovered the forgery
  • Any relevant financial records

This file will be useful for proving your case to law enforcement, banks, courts, and any other parties involved. The more documentation you can provide, the better.


4. Get a Notarized Signature Comparison (Optional)

In some cases—especially in real estate or financial fraud—having a professional handwriting expert or notary verify the differences between your real signature and the forged one can strengthen your case. This isn’t always required, but it can be helpful if you’re disputing a major legal document.

These professionals can issue a written statement or testify if the case escalates to court.


5. Report the Forgery to Law Enforcement

Forgery is a criminal offense, typically classified as fraud, identity theft, or document tampering depending on your state’s laws. Even if you’re not sure who committed the forgery, file a police report as soon as possible.

Be prepared to provide:

  • A copy of the forged document
  • Your proof that it wasn’t signed by you
  • Any evidence of motive or suspects (if available)

A police report serves several purposes:

  • It creates an official record of the crime
  • It may trigger an investigation or charges
  • It supports any civil or financial claims you make

Some institutions, like banks or title companies, require a police report before they’ll reverse transactions or cancel contracts.


6. Notify the Affected Institution or Party

Once you have documentation and a police report, notify the organization or person that received or processed the forged document. This could be:

  • A lender
  • A real estate agent or title company
  • An employer
  • A government office
  • A business partner or contractor

Let them know the document was fraudulent and provide a copy of the police report, your ID, and your authentic signature for comparison. Ask that the fraudulent transaction be reversed or voided. In some cases, you may need to sign an affidavit of forgery.


7. Take Legal Action if Necessary

If the forgery resulted in financial loss, harm to your credit, or the unlawful transfer of assets (like property or inheritance), you may need to pursue a civil lawsuit.

This might involve:

  • Suing for damages if someone used your signature to profit or harm you
  • Filing a motion to void a contract or title
  • Petitioning the court to reverse fraudulent property transfers

A civil court can issue orders to undo damage caused by forgery, return stolen property, and compensate you for losses.

In complex or high-value situations, especially involving business deals or real estate, consulting an attorney is strongly recommended. An attorney can help you file suit, recover damages, and navigate the legal nuances of forgery laws in your jurisdiction.


8. Follow Up on the Criminal Case

If the police open a criminal investigation, stay in contact with the investigating officer or detective. Be responsive to requests for statements, documents, or testimony.

Keep in mind that criminal investigations can take time. If someone is charged, you may be asked to testify or provide further documentation in court. Stay organized and maintain your case file in case of delays.

Even if the perpetrator isn’t caught or prosecuted, your report still serves as valuable evidence for any civil or financial claims you pursue.


9. Monitor for Ongoing Fraud

Unfortunately, forgery is often part of a larger pattern of identity misuse. Even after addressing the original incident, continue to:

  • Monitor your credit reports regularly
  • Use identity theft monitoring tools
  • Check bank and account statements often
  • Stay alert for suspicious communications

Consider freezing your credit if you're worried about additional fraud attempts.



Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help
If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.

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