Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 471: Obligations or securities of United States

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Federal law criminalizes fraudulently making, forging, counterfeiting, or altering U.S. obligations or securities. Violators face fines and/or imprisonment up to 20 years.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any obligation or other security of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.