FOCL Practice Test

What was Penny's intent when she signed someone else's name on a check?

1. Aim to deceive the clerk

2. To commit a minor theft

3. To gift the earrings

4. To make a legal transaction

The correct answer is: Aim to deceive the clerk

The intent behind signing someone else's name on a check is primarily rooted in the idea of deception. When someone forges a signature, the goal is generally to create the appearance that they have legal authority to access funds or complete a transaction that they are not legitimately entitled to. In this case, Penny's action indicates an aim to mislead the clerk regarding her authority to execute the transaction associated with that check. The action of forging a signature on a financial document typically signifies an intention to manipulate or misrepresent one’s identity or authority, thereby falling under the category of deceptive practices. It's important to note that while other options suggest different motivations, they do not capture the essential element of intent to deceive that is inherent in such an act. For instance, committing a minor theft implies a theft component that may not fully encompass the full scope of deceit involved. Similarly, gifting or making a legal transaction would not apply because those actions would typically require legitimate authority or consent from the original signatory. Thus, the conclusion that the primary intent was to deceive is well founded in the context of forgery.