According to FINRA, Joshua R. Cook (CRD #4277525), a registered representative based in Vernal, Utah, was fined $7,500 (deferred) and suspended for 10 months after consenting to findings that he electronically signed customer names on account documents without obtaining prior written permission from those customers, including senior investors. The documents on which Cook affixed customer signatures without authorization included new account applications, money transfer forms, and IRA-related forms. While FINRA acknowledged that the underlying transactions were authorized by the customers and that no customer complaints were filed, the act of signing another person's name on official financial documents is a serious violation that undermines the integrity of the recordkeeping systems that regulators and firms rely on to protect investors. Cook's actions caused his member firm to maintain inaccurate books and records, a violation of FINRA Rules and Securities Exchange Act requirements. Accurate recordkeeping is foundational to securities regulation because it allows firms, regulators, and auditors to verify that transactions were properly authorized and executed in accordance with customer instructions. When brokers sign customer names on documents, even with good intentions, it becomes impossible to verify the authenticity of those authorizations after the fact. Cook further compounded the issue by falsely attesting on compliance questionnaires that he had not engaged in any such conduct. This false certification prevented his firm from identifying and addressing the problem through its normal supervisory channels. The 10-month suspension, effective from March 4, 2024, through January 3, 2025, reflects the seriousness with which FINRA treats document falsification, even in cases where no direct customer harm resulted. Investors, particularly seniors who may be more vulnerable, should know that their signatures on financial documents carry legal significance, and that regulators actively enforce rules against unauthorized signing practices. This matter was resolved through FINRA Case #2022074655901.