I had been caught shoplifting by a security officer a few weeks ago at Target and I just received a civil demand letter. The letter is from “The Law Offices of Martin J. Horn, PLLC” and it basically says because I unlawfully took property that wasn’t mine “we demand that you pay damages of $150.” And at the end of the letter it says “we would like to resolve this matter amicably..if we don’t receive payment Target may make further effort to enforce its rights under law.”

I’m 18 and don’t want to get sued so should I pay this? When the incident occurred the security officer said he had to take my name/info and made me sign a paper and said I couldn’t shop at Target for a year. The item I took was not damaged and was only worth $10. The police WERE NOT involved because the security guard said since my record is clean and this was the first time I’ve ever done anything bad and I was cooperative, I would get off with just “a slap on the wrist.” He told me no one would know I did this if I didn’t want them to know.

So why did I get this demand letter? I’m scared and really don’t want Target to sue me. the police to get involved, or my parents to know,so should I pay the $150?