Why does Macy's claim $275 for a theft charge under $50?

Full question:

I have a 14yr old child who was caught at a Macy's dept. store ,along with several other kids, shoplifting. Now my child didnt actually steal anything, the only thing she was caught doing was removing the tag off of a bracelet. My child was not found with any merchandise on her, but the other girls that were with her had stolen several items. My child did recieve a ticket from an officer there at the store and we went to Teen court and now all of the charges have been dropped. A week later , I get a letter from the dept. store stating that we owe them $275.00 in settlement of a civil claim,resulting from a theft . Now my child's ticket was for a theft under $50.00 ,how is it they figure we owe $275.00 on a charge under $50 , and on top of that ,my child was not found with any stolen merchandise on her? The store did lose any of the merchandise so why are they collecting on merchandise that they have in their possesion? Also, $275.00 does not equal to under $50.00.

• Category: Small Claims
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Texas

Answer:

The store is likely making a loss claim and may be pursuing all the kids involved. The criminal charge of theft under fifty dollars does not relate to the civil claim they are making. To understand the basis for the $275 claim, you should contact the store for more information or consider hiring a local attorney for assistance.