Signing someone else's name on a check2 of 8Signing someone else's name on a check is generally considered forgery and would be illegal in most states, according to Carol Kaplan, a spokeswoman for the American Bankers Association in Washington, D.C. But suppose an adult child signs an elderly parent's name because the parent is incapacitated, or a parent signs a child's name because the child is away at college. Guess what? Those signatures are still forgeries, unless a power of attorney is in effect."In most cases, it's on behalf of a loved one who probably isn't going to object, but people should know that that's forgery," Kaplan says. Related Articles:CDs and investing newsletterConsumers gain from FinReg3 steps to boost your net worthRelated Links:Find the best MMA ratesAdvice from Dr. DonCalculate your savings goals advertisement
Signing someone else's name on a check is generally considered forgery and would be illegal in most states, according to Carol Kaplan, a spokeswoman for the American Bankers Association in Washington, D.C. But suppose an adult child signs an elderly parent's name because the parent is incapacitated, or a parent signs a child's name because the child is away at college. Guess what? Those signatures are still forgeries, unless a power of attorney is in effect.
"In most cases, it's on behalf of a loved one who probably isn't going to object, but people should know that that's forgery," Kaplan says.
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