My grandmother died, and my sister discovered from a credit card statement that someone was using her credit cards. When we did not receive forms from the store, I contacted them. I explained what happened, and they faxed me a form to fill out, and requested that my sister and I submit identification, to rule us out. I forwarded same, and advised that I would be interested in knowing who would do such a thing. To my surprise, my sister contact me a few minutes ago, and advised that the fruad department had just called her and indicated that they determined, through an investigation, that the signature on the fraudlent receipts matched my signature. I called the company to determine how they came up with this, and requested that they fax me copies of receipts with the signature, further, I asked if they reviewed security tapes, which they informed us in the beginning that they had access to. I was informed that they did not have access to the security film, only store receipts, which they believe match my signature.
This is obviously a mistake, an my signature does not match the one on the receipts - however, one letter in the last names looks similar, but is certainly not the same. What should I do now? I realize that the store is trying to collect a dept totaling about $7,000.00. However, they are coming after the family because they addressed a letter to the estate of my grandmother; and now, they are coming after me. What can I do to protect myself? If I hire and attorney and writing expert, can I request that the store be responsible for all fees incured? I can't believe this, I am the one who requested the investigation - this is ironic.
Thank you for any advice you can offer.
