Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Missouri

Forged name to legal car papers.

I bought a car and when I got my paper work from the dealer I discovered they had forged my name to about 6 different doctuments. What are my legal rights and can I sue and maybe get my car free , its a 2001 and maybe a little extra money or what are my entitles.Thank you.


Asked on 4/09/03, 10:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Forged name to legal car papers.

Forgery is a criminal act. If they indeed forged your name, you should probably report that entity to the local law enforcement entity that would investigate it (most likely your local police or highway patrol).

Sometimes dealers do not "forge" the name of the driver, but instead get the driver to sign a "power of attorney" which allows them to sign title documents and similar things in your place. If they have done so, they may be protected against a charge of forgery. However, generally speaking, they must sign their name and attach a copy of the power of attorney instead of signing your name.

If the dealer did what you allege they did, there is a chance that they may have violated consumer protection laws like Section 407.020 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo.). If they have done this, you may be entitled to sue them, but your damages are going to be limited to the amount of additional obligation they imposed on you by their fraudulent acts.

Your case presents unusual questions best resolved by visiting with an attorney.

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Answered on 4/11/03, 11:58 am


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