Forgery is defined as the fraudulent making or altering of a writing, with the intent to deceive another and prejudice the person in some right.

• A. Perjury
• B. Extortion
• C. Fraud
• D. Forgery

Answer: (D)

Forgery centers on a written document that is fraudulently made or altered with the aim of deceiving someone and prejudicing their rights. This definition points to two essential elements: the action involves a writing, and it is done with fraudulent intent to mislead. Perjury is about lying under oath, not changing a document; extortion involves using threats to get something, and fraud covers deceit in general without necessarily involving a forged or altered instrument. So this term is the one that specifically describes a false instrument created or altered to deceive. In notary practice, if a document appears forged or altered, you should not notarize it, since you would be certifying a false instrument and could be complicit in a crime. If you suspect forgery, verify authenticity and only proceed with genuine documents.