30-3-407. Alteration. (1) "Alteration" means:
(a) an unauthorized change in an instrument that purports to modify in any respect the obligation of a party to the instrument; or
(b) an unauthorized addition of words or numbers or other change to an incomplete instrument relating to the obligation of any party to the instrument.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), an alteration fraudulently made discharges any party whose obligation is affected by the alteration unless that party assents or is precluded from asserting the alteration. No other alteration discharges any party, and the instrument may be enforced according to its original terms.
(3) A person paying a fraudulently altered instrument or taking it for value in good faith and without notice of the alteration may enforce rights with respect to the instrument:
(a) according to its original terms; or
(b) in the case of an incomplete instrument altered by unauthorized completion, according to its terms as completed.
History: En. Sec. 3-407, Ch. 264, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 87A-3-407; amd. Sec. 131, Ch. 410, L. 1991.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Chapter 3. Uniform Commercial Code Negotiable Instruments
30-3-403. Signature by representative
30-3-404. Unauthorized signatures
30-3-405. Impostors -- fictitious payees
30-3-406. Negligence contributing to forged signature or alteration of instrument
30-3-409. Drawee not liable on unaccepted draft
30-3-410. Acceptance of draft -- certified check
30-3-412. Acceptance varying draft
30-3-414. Obligation of indorser
30-3-415. Instruments signed for accommodation
30-3-419. Conversion of instrument
30-3-420. Employer responsibility for fraudulent indorsement by employee
30-3-421. Refusal to pay cashier's checks, teller's checks, and certified checks
30-3-422. Obligation of acceptor
30-3-423. Obligation of drawer