A forgery is committed when an unauthorized person signs your name to a check or legal document and you suffer a monetary loss.  Printing counterfeit checks is also considered forgery.  For a more detailed description, see Florida State Statute chapter 831. 

How to protect yourself from forgery 

Never discard old checks in the garbage.  Shred them!

Never leave checks in your mailbox.  Collect your mail immediately and deposit outgoing mail in a secure mailbox, or give it directly to your letter carrier.

Check your bank statements carefully, and notify your bank and your local law enforcement agency immediately if you see checks that you did not write.

If you order personal checks, and you do not receive them in a timely manner, immediately call your bank and verify that they were shipped to you.

Encourage your local merchants to check identification and obtain a thumbprint whenever they accept a personal check.

What to do if you're a victim of forgery 

Contact your local law enforcement agency and request a police report.

Contact your bank, complete an affidavit of forgery and request to have your account closed.

Review your accounts for unauthorized activity, ensure that you have affidavits of Forgery completed for each incident, to provide to creditors.

Once you discover that you're a victim, keep accurate records of all telephone calls made and the steps you take to correct the situation.

If someone is forging checks in your name, there may be a warrant for your arrest.  Check with your local State Attorney's Office 2-3 months after you've been victimized.  Repeat this in 6 months.  If a warrant has been issued, notify your local State Attorney's Office and law enforcement agency.

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Contact Us:

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

Economic Crimes Unit
Police Memorial Building

501 E. Bay Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

(904) 630-2177