Fraudulent use of signature

[stuartmmcfc]

It’s come to my Wife’s attention that her name and signature have been used in a reference by a company tendering for business.
My Wife held a senior position with a company but left their employment some 5 years ago.
My Wife was contacted when someone became suspicious as she is still active in those circles but not with that company.
Should she
A) send a letter saying she’s not happy about the misuse of her name
B) tell the Police as it’s fraudulent use of her identity
C) do nothing

The main company is a rather large PLC and the company providing references is somewhat smaller.

[ElectricPics]

Forgery, I'd say. Maybe adding fraud through misrepresentation.

[anonymous-user]

Is it an old document that is being used (again)? Ie one she did sign way back when

[anonymous-user]

If it is a genuine mistake then let them correct the issue otherwise inform the company receiving the reference of the situation and despite asking it has not corrected the issue.

It looks bad either way in my book.

[Heres Johnny]

A legal letter reminding the company of their obligations - you’re putting them on notice to behave as your wife’s professional reputation is at stake aside from any other issues. But you need to understand the contractual relationship and anything that continued in-perpetuity, although forging a signature won’t be one, and whether what they’re doing fits.

As an example I imagine BMW can still talk about Bangle designed cars in the past even though he doesn’t work for them now and produce any concepts he came up with while under their employment. The devil is in the detail on what they’re saying.

[stuartmmcfc]

Thanks for the advice.
Obviously, I’m a bit of an idiot caught between experts and this query is more of interest to me than my Wife who rarely takes my advice, but it’d be nice if I was knowledgable for a change!

My Wife has had no dealings with the company in question. They basically used her name and signature on a document saying how good they are and dated it this year.
It’s back fired on them and they’ll be a strongly worded letter heading their way shortly.

Edited by stuartmmcfc on Thursday 1st March 07:39

[megaphone]

Has she seen this letter? Or is it just hearsay?

[stuartmmcfc]

She was contacted by someone who knew her from the company that received the letter of recommendation.
He knew she hadn’t worked for the company that was on the letterhead for the last 5 years and certainly not this year as the date suggested.
He wondered what was happening.
Sorry if this is not that clear but I obviously can’t name any of the company’s involved.

[paintman]

Possibles could include
Fraud by misrepresentation Fraud Act 2006 S2
and
Making or supplying articles for use in frauds S7
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/35/intro...

Depending on how many are involved in the company that sent the letter I wonder whether conspiracy would also be considered.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/use-of-the-common-law-...

Edited by paintman on Thursday 1st March 10:23

[Escapegoat]

Get a copy, attach an invoice for the use of her name/goodwill - for an amount that depends on how lofty she is, £1k/ £10k / £100k - and send it to her old company.

[superlightr]

is there a new person working there with the same name?

how was the reference written JK Tolking? or John Kim Tolking?

possible..

[stuartmmcfc]

superlightr said:

is there a new person working there with the same name?

how was the reference written JK Tolking? or John Kim Tolking?

possible..

It’s unlikely someone with the same name and the same signature is working at that level tbh