18 U.S.C. § 493 – Forgery of Bonds or Obligations of Certain Federal Lending Agencies
This law makes it a federal crime to forge or pass forged financial instruments issued by certain federally authorized lending or credit institutions.
This statute applies to forged or counterfeit financial documents connected to government-backed or federally authorized lending, mortgage, insurance, or credit entities. It covers a wide range of instruments, including notes, bonds, debentures, coupons, and similar writings.
The law addresses both the creation of forged instruments and the knowing use or circulation of those instruments.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Falsely make, forge, counterfeit, or alter a financial instrument issued by a covered federal lending or credit entity
- Create a document purporting to be an obligation or instrument of such an entity
A person also violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Pass, utter, publish, or attempt to pass a forged or counterfeit lending-agency instrument
- Use such an instrument knowing it was falsely made, forged, or altered
Penalties.
A conviction under this statute can result in a fine, up to 10 years in federal prison, or both.
If you’re facing federal charges involving forged or counterfeit lending-agency documents, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
