Shoplifter shakedowns leave Home Depot with a black eye
According to reports, attorneys for the store threatened lawsuits, with no intention to really sue, to get people to pay big penalties.
That’s according to an ABC News story that details the story of Jimin Chen, who claims to have accidentally forgotten to pay for a pair of work gloves he used when making a $1,400 lumber purchase.
Chen wasn’t arrested, but rather was told to stay out of the store and warned that Home Depot might take legal action—either criminal or civil.
Home Depot chose civil, and that’s where things get hairy.
Chen, according to the report, got a letter from the law firm Palmer, Reifler and Associates demanding that he fork over $350 or get sued. When he didn’t pay, the bill went up to $625.
Here’s the thing: Palmer Reifler had no intention of suing Chen or any of the thousands of Home Depot shoplifters their client had encountered.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
