Summary: First an investigation by the state attorney general’s office and now a lawsuit regarding the treatment of suspected shoplifters hits major retailer Macy’s.
Macy’s is garnering a bad reputation on how they treat suspected shoplifters in their stores. A lawsuit filed against the retailer in New York City on behalf of a 29-year-old Bronx woman alleges the extortion of false fees and unfair practices from minority shoppers.
The lawsuit claims that Macy’s requires the suspected shoplifters to make a payment under the “shopkeeper’s privilege” rule of the New York General Business Law. Attorney for the plaintiff Cinthia Carolina Reyes Orellana, Frank Usar told reporters, “What the lawsuit aims to do, is finally put an end to this practice, and bring justice to past victims.”
Orellana claims that she was held for three hours in a holding cell at the Herald Square store after being accused of shoplifting shirts. She was required to sign paperwork admitting her guilt and pay $100 before being released to the police. She was then charged with shoplifting, but the charges were later dismissed. Her lawsuit claims thousands of shoppers have been targeted and submitted to similar experiences.
Macy’s faced an investigation by the state attorney general’s office after repeated complaints. One such complaint came from actor Robert Brown. He claimed he was falsely accused of shoplifting a watch. After the investigation, Macy’s was willing to change their policies relating to how suspected shoplifters are detained.
Macy’s says the lawsuit is without merit.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/12/04/macy-faces-lawsuit-over-detaining-suspected-shoplifters/
Photo: rt.com