Hi there. So today I get a letter in the mail from Safeway, supposedly claiming that I had stole something from them. I did not steal anything from them and I honestly have no idea what this is about. The letter states:
You were apprehended in a connection with a theft from the Safeway Store in Vancouver and you may be criminally charged. In addition to possible criminal charges, Safeway may also make a separate civil claim against you in the Civil Court for damages, including investigative expenses and costs.
Therefore Safeway hereby demands you pay the sum of $300.00 in order to settle the civil claim. Payment should be made by Certified Cheque, Money Order, Visa, Master Card or American Express in the address shown below and must be received within twenty-one days of the date of this letter.
If you do not pay $300.00 Safeway reserves the right to take civil action against you in court. Such a civil action would include a claim for all damages, compensation and costs as the Court may allow. Your immediate payment of $300.00 would settle this civil matter and avoid further expenses and costs being incurred. Criminal charges are a separate manner.
I honestly am SHOCKED and do not know what to do. I shop at Safeway on a regular basis, ever since I was young with my family and have never stolen anything from them. I seriously do not know what this is about. At the moment I have been laid off from my job and do not even have $300 to give them, for something I didn't even do. It is also claiming I was at a store in Vancouver when I only shop at the stores in Burnaby where I live. There is a number I can call which I will do tomorrow morning. Can anyone help me with this?
Thanks a ton.

