Legal Definitions - false making

False making refers to the act of creating an entirely new document or altering an existing one in such a way that it appears to be authentic, but is in fact fraudulent. This action is typically performed with the intent to deceive or defraud another party, and it constitutes a core element of the crime of forgery. It involves fabricating or manipulating the document itself, rather than merely using a genuine document fraudulently.

Here are some examples illustrating false making:

• Fabricated University Transcript: A person, wanting to apply for a competitive job, uses a computer and specialized software to design and print a university transcript showing excellent grades and a degree from a prestigious institution. They never actually attended that university. They then submit this fabricated transcript as part of their job application.
  • Explanation: The act of creating the entire transcript, making it appear to be a genuine document from a university when it is not, is the "false making." The document itself is a complete fabrication intended to deceive.
• Altered Lease Agreement: A tenant has a legitimate lease agreement for an apartment. Before submitting it to a new lender for a loan application, they digitally change the monthly rent amount on their copy of the lease to show a lower figure than what they actually pay, hoping to improve their debt-to-income ratio.
  • Explanation: While the original lease was genuine, the tenant's act of altering the rent amount on the document to create a false representation of their financial obligations constitutes "false making."
• Counterfeit Concert Tickets: An individual prints dozens of fake tickets for a sold-out concert, meticulously copying the design, logos, and security features of legitimate tickets. They then attempt to sell these counterfeit tickets to unsuspecting fans outside the venue.
  • Explanation: The creation of the physical tickets, designed to mimic genuine ones but lacking any true authorization or value, is an act of "false making." The intent is to defraud buyers by presenting a worthless item as authentic.