Hi, I was caught shoplifting at walmart (an $10 item) and a lady approached me and asked me to walk with her and if I knew why I had been stopped, I have never ever in my life committed a crime of any type, so I became nervous and immediately knew what it was about and I told the lady that I was sorry and that I knew why she had stopped me that I would returrn and pay for what I had dumbishly taken (I was going through a rough time didn't know what I was thinking) but anyway, she took me to the back office where she asked me for an id and to empty out my purse, I willingly emptied it and gave her back the item, asked why I did it and if I wanted to see the video, she then scans my id and of course my record came back clear, she made me sign this paper that I can't remember what it was because I felt to nervous and embarrassed, shealso took a picture of me and I even told her I would pay for the item right there with her, but she said it was up to me and I had to go back to the store and go to register to pay it, she was in some way nice and the cops were never called and even told me that I was not going to be shun from walmart but that they keep close attention if they ever saw me there. I was very worried about that going on my record on being prosecuted so I asked the lady what to expect, so she confidently told me I was luckily just being verbally reprimanded and thatthis wouldn't affect me in any way but if I ever did it again they wouls have to take legal action which is totally understandable and she let me go.. days later I had to leave the city and when I came back there were 2 letters in the mail from law firm representing walmart, the first one had apparently gotten there before stated that I had to pay a civil penalty of $200 within 10 days, but since I was away I obviously couldn't reply so then the second letter had arrived after the 10 days in which that penalty had jumped to $550 , I was perplexed by gods sake... then the next morning I go to walmart and speak w loss prevention (the lady that caught me wasn't there) and they gave all this bill that they couldn't tell me that because its not within their jurisdiction and that I had to call the law firm so I call these guys and they we're to begin rude and unwilling, in a way I understand the're doing their job, but I pretty much begged them to help me out and that I was willing to cooperate but I couldn't pay for this, all they told me was to make installments on the $550 or show proof that I wasn't here to reply to the first letter which 8 really can't because I travelled by car... I'm really scared and don't know what to do and I definitely can't pay for that... please help

You are being scammed, so hire a lawyer, but I have one question for you. Do you have a prior record of shiplifting? We can't give you the right advice, unless you tell us where the Walmart is, what country US or Canada, and if you have a record ? So be honest, we don't know you from a hill of beans and if you want the right information, don't hold your information back.

These 'lawyers' dug up your record.

Tick

No, I have no record at all of anything, this was a walmart in the us, in Texas to be exact, I've been doing research on this because I'm desperate, and I don't have the money to pay that ridiculous fee, they have given me by Friday to come up with an answer of whether I can prove that I wasn't here to receive the first letter or to call them and set up installments on the $550 penalty, but since I travelled by car I really can't prove anything, I only took a public bus to get me across a place but didn't actually purchase the ticket I told them I was willing to pay the $200 at least

I appreciate your prompt response

Karina, I am sure this is a scam. You for sure need a lawyer.

Tick

Can that really be true, I've been doing some research and the letters I've received are asking for a so called civile recovery penalty for walmart? How much more or less would it cost me to hire a lawyer to help me out with this, before the penalty triples

They are scamming for money. How can there be a civil penalty if you haven't been to trial? Did you ask them for proof of any kind? What and where did they come up with this number?

Califdadof3, the letters say that it is a claim against me filed by walmart pursuant to the Texas Theft Liability Act and that. Upon receiving the payment I will receive a written release of the statutory civil claim against me, I really don't know who to go to for help... thanks

This is very common, they do this instead of taking you to court. They can not force you to pay, since you don't owe the money. But they on the other hand, till the SOL runs out, can always call the police and press shoplifting charges with the courts.

This is their leverage, and if they have not said it already, they will, that if you don't pay, they will be forced to report this to the police.

Many places are using private penalties, instead of pressing charges, ( since little is done for shoplifting esp the first time in court)

Hello k:

The Padre and I agree. That is EXACTLY what they are going to do. However, there's a LAW against doing that... I MY view, it's a crime called extortion... "Pay me money. If you don't, I'll do something BAD to you.." is CLASSIC extortion...

If it was me, I'd write the lawyer a letter explaining that to him, and if he doesn't stop harassing you, you'll call the cops on HIM. Send your letter certified, return receipt requested.

excon