I received a letter for my parents that said JC PEnny was CONSIDERING proceeding with a cvil penalty claim against them. They said if I paid 500 dolllars within 20 ays of the date of the letter they would leave the civil penalty claim alone. They sent it to my friend's house because that's the address I gave. I don't have 500 dollars. What happens if I ignore the letter? Please help!

So what is th debt for and whose name is on the debt, I will assume your parents co-signed for your credit??

And what they appear to be going to do is sue for their money and get a judgement againwst everyone named on the paperwork,

Father Chuck is correct in asking what is this "civil penalty" for?

In addition to co-signed debts some retailers try to seek compensation from parents of children who are caught shoplifting. You need to provide more particulars.