With close to forty years combined experience practicing criminal law. Filing false documents is a criminal offense under PEN 115.Forgery is the making of a false writing (or altering a writing to make it false) with the intent to defraud. Forgery in California pertains to a wide variety of crimes. If you become a victim of check fraud, it is important to contact your bank immediately. According to California PC 470, forgery is the unauthorized, false making or material alteration of a document with the intent to defraud someone. The District Attorney's Real Estate Fraud Unit is dedicated to prosecuting fraudulent real estate transactions.