Forgery is the act of creating, altering, or using a false document or signature with the intent to deceive. This illegal practice can involve various items, such as checks, contracts, or identification cards. The goal of forgery is often to gain something of value, like money or property, by misleading others. The consequences of forgery can be severe, including criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment. Laws against forgery are in place to protect individuals and institutions from fraud. Detecting forgery often involves forensic analysis and expert examination of the disputed documents to confirm their authenticity.