Forged Negotiable Instrument and Holder Status - Explained
How does a Forged Instrument Affect the Rights of a Holder?
Written by Jason Gordon
Updated at September 26th, 2021
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Table of Contents
What is the result if a negotiable instrument is forged?Discussion QuestionPractice QuestionAcademic ResearchWhat is the result if a negotiable instrument is forged?
A forged negotiable instrument is not enforceable against the party whose name was forged. The forged instrument is, however, enforceable against the forger. Basically, the instrument is treated as though the forger signed her own signature. Also, a forged negotiable instrument puts affirmative duties on parties implicated in the forgery.
For example, a drawee bank on a forged check must use ordinary care in inspecting a potentially forged signature when paying check. The owner of the check may be liable if the check is stolen and forged because of her own negligence. The owner has a duty to verify records to identify forged instruments. The drawer is barred from contesting improper payment of the check by a one-year statute of limitations.
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Related Topics
- What is the Shelter Rule?
- Can you limit a transferee from becoming a holder in due course?
- Personal Defenses?
- Real Defenses?
- What is a Claim in Recoupment?
- What are the rights of a holder in due course if the instrument involves a consumer transaction?
- What happens if a negotiable instrument is Forged?
- What happens if a negotiable instrument is Stolen?
Discussion Question
How do you feel about the ability to enforce a forged instrument against the forger? What do you think about the additional responsibilities placed upon the parties?
Practice Question
Cathy is an employee of ABC Corp. She steals a check from the company, signs her managers name, and makes the check out to herself. The check is drawn on ABCs account at First Bank. She then indorses the check and transfers it to Doris. Doris presents the check to First Bank for payment. Who is potentially liable on the check?