Forgery in a car dealership context typically takes one of several forms: signing the buyer's name on a contract the buyer never saw, altering a document after the buyer signed it, signing the buyer's name on add-on product agreements the buyer never agreed to, or signing the buyer's name on a power of attorney to facilitate the title transfer without the buyer's knowledge.

From a civil law standpoint, forgery is fraud. A contract that bears a forged signature is void or voidable — meaning you can seek to have it set aside entirely. You may be entitled to rescission of the entire transaction, return of all money paid, and damages for any harm caused by the forgery. In cases of egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.

FDUTPA also applies. Forging a buyer's signature is a deceptive act in the conduct of trade or commerce, and a FDUTPA claim entitles you to attorney's fees if you prevail. The combination of fraud, rescission, and FDUTPA claims gives you multiple avenues for recovery.

From a criminal law standpoint, forgery is a felony in Florida. While a civil attorney cannot pursue criminal charges on your behalf, you can report the forgery to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (which licenses dealers) and to local law enforcement. A criminal investigation can sometimes produce evidence that strengthens your civil case.

If you suspect your signature was forged, compare the signatures on all documents you received from the dealer. Look for inconsistencies in handwriting, ink color, or pen pressure. If you have a copy of a document you signed and a copy of a document you did not sign, a handwriting expert can sometimes confirm the forgery. Preserve all documents and contact an attorney promptly.