"Forging" a signature on a check question

[mermaidwannabe]

I just received a check back from a rental deposit from vacation and the person forgot to sign the check. She said I could just sign her name to it and deposit it, but I'm a little nervous about that! Could I get in trouble doing that??

 

[Mermaid02]

I just received a check back from a rental deposit from vacation and the person forgot to sign the check. She said I could just sign her name to it and deposit it, but I'm a little nervous about that! Could I get in trouble doing that??

Don't do that.
Really, don't do that.

 

[elwise1966]

Return the check for her signature.

Absolutely under no circumstances should you forge another persons signature on a check.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

I won't do it. It did make me extremely nervous. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Disneyliscious]

Its a felony and not worth it. I would send it back.

People like this really irritate me. I mean, HOW do you forget to sign a check? You made the rest of it out....why "forget" the most important part? People like this make me think they don't have the funds to cover it and are stalling for time. I hate to be judgmental but HOW can you forget something like this? lol

 

[jcemom]

People like this make me think they don't have the funds to cover it and are stalling for time.

That's what I would think.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

I don't think that is the case because she originally tried to pay me back with paypal, but it took almost $15 out in fees, so I had her send a check instead. Maybe I should just pay the $15 at this point!!

 

[jcemom]

I don't think that is the case because she originally tried to pay me back with paypal, but it took almost $15 out in fees, so I had her send a check instead. Maybe I should just pay the $15 at this point!!

It must have just been an honest mistake then, unless she was paying by credit card via PayPal, and doesn't have enough cash. If that was the case, she should just have offered to pay extra to cover the fees for you. It would've been more convenient for both of you. Good luck, I hope you get it worked out soon!

 

[*Seanaci*]

Send it back. Hands down.

 

[jmartinez1895]

It might have been an honest mistake or it could be a stalling method or in the worst case it could be a trap. You sign then she says you stole the check. I'd wait teh extra days and send it back and have her sign it You might also ask her to put her drivers license number on the check as well.

 

[VirataMama4]

I don't think that is the case because she originally tried to pay me back with paypal, but it took almost $15 out in fees, so I had her send a check instead. Maybe I should just pay the $15 at this point!!

Have her send it to you as a "gift" it should be fee free. And as all the other posters have said, send it back.

 

[furb & dez]

Do not sign that check.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I just received a check back from a rental deposit from vacation and the person forgot to sign the check. She said I could just sign her name to it and deposit it, but I'm a little nervous about that! Could I get in trouble doing that??

YES!
Dont Do It, it is against the LAW, she can charge you with fraud, theft etc...Uh, Id have her overnight you a new check and if she wanted the old one back, tell her to send a postage paid envelope. Her issues, not yours....Good Luck, seems like she is highly irresponsible or in the least, a doozey, sending a fully filled out check and not signing it, then telling YOU to sign it, Really! Can I say NO again...????
sounds like you are off to a STIcky start................ Good Luck!!!!

 

[Lumiere Lover]

I work for a financial institution-please do not sign the bottom of that check. It would be considered forgery, and you could be prosecuted. Send it back and wait for the funds.

 

[andymattmom]

I would hold that check....ask her to send another one signed then when you receive that one and check has cleared mail the unsigned one back to her.

 

[pixiewings71]

I forgot to sign a check once or twice, the person who received the check deposited it and it cleared with no problems.....but I'd send it back and have her pay via Paypal, no fees if she sends it as a gift.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Thanks everyone! I'll let her know about the Paypal "gift" option! It made me kind of dizzy just to think about forging it, lol, so don't think I would have, but glad to have your support on what to do!! thank you all!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Its a felony and not worth it. I would send it back.

People like this really irritate me. I mean, HOW do you forget to sign a check? You made the rest of it out....why "forget" the most important part? People like this make me think they don't have the funds to cover it and are stalling for time. I hate to be judgmental but HOW can you forget something like this? lol

If you do bookkeeping and prepare checks for others it is quite easy.

 

[DisneyNic]

or in the worst case it could be a trap. You sign then she says you stole the check.

Maybe I am too cynical but this was my first thought. It would be really easy for her to claim fraud. That is way too scary.

 

[Alsobrook]

I would hold that check....ask her to send another one signed then when you receive that one and check has cleared mail the unsigned one back to her.

The better practice is to go ahead and write VOID across the unsigned check. Tear it in half, and send it back to the sender.

Holding the unsigned check is not going to do anything.... it's non-negotiable anyway, so holding it serves no purpose.