Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York

Shoplifting

Recently i received a letter from a law group who represents bloomingdales telling me i had to pay $415 because i was caught shoplifting. the total of the items taken was $85 but the lost prevention agents told me i would not be sued and if i was sent a letter it would be in the same amount as the merchandise taken because the merchandise could be put back on the floor and sold. i've done some research and have seen an offender can b charged up to 5 times the amount taken as long as its under $500, i have also read most stores very rarely take shoplifters to court especially when the amount taken is low. My question is should i pay the $415, send them a check for the amount which they retrieved, or ignore the notice?


Asked on 1/24/09, 9:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phroska L. McAlister PHROSKA LEAKE McALISTER

Re: Shoplifting

You should NOT ignore the notice. Nor, should you assume a "self righteous" pose that could land you in Criminal Court. Suggest that you immediately verify & confirm: a) the authority of the notice sender to "offer" Settlement, b)the Amount (it may be in error) and c) request a "Full Release" from Bloomindales, in consideration of your expeditious settlement of this matter.

Good luck.

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Answered on 1/25/09, 6:10 pm


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