(a) In an action for damages by an assignee or a successor in interest against a beneficiary of a trust deed on real property consisting of a single-family residence containing not more than four dwelling units, wherein it is established the trust deed was forged in whole or in part by the beneficiary, judgment may be entered for three times the amount at which the actual damages are assessed.
(b) This section shall not apply to any person who does not purchase and sell four or more deeds of trust in any calendar year.
(c) This section shall not limit or affect the availability of punitive damages, if any, to the injured party.
(d) This section shall apply to any action filed on or after January 1, 1984.
(Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1397, Sec. 2.)