The act of criminally making or altering a written instrument for the purpose of fraud or deceit; for example, signing another person's name to a check. To write payee's endorsement or signature on a check without the payee's permission or authority. The 'payee' of a check is the true owner or person to whom the check was payable.
The subject will be considered with reference to:
- The making or alteration requisite to constitute forgery.
- The written instruments in respect of which forgery may be committed.
- The fraud and deceit to the prejudice of another man's right.
- The statory provisions under the laws of the United States, on the subject of forgery.