Can Somebody Forge My Name on My Bank Account?

I have a charitable organization listed as Payable on Death on my bank account with all the correct information. When I pass away, is it possible for my cousin to go to that bank, pose as me, and use my drivers license to remove that POD so the money in that account goes to her? If she did that BEFORE my obituary went into the local newspaper, could she pull it off? Could she fool the bank by forging my signature and posing as me? We look alike and the bank may actually think she IS me.

If you are concerned that this may happen, you should talk to the manager of your bank and explain the situation. While identity theft has become epidemic worldwide, there are safeguards to assure this type of thing won't happen.

How would your cousin come to be in possession of your driver's license? I highly doubt your signature is the same as your cousin's.

Move your POD into a revocable trust and you will avoid this problem.