Questionable Lawyer Demand Letter

Summary

The user received a suspicious demand letter, supposedly from a lawyer, demanding the return of property abandoned by her ex. The letter was not signed, and the letterhead appeared scanned. The user was advised to verify the letters authenticity by contacting the law firm directly. She was also advised to gather evidence, such as written communication and witness statements, to prove that the property was abandoned and subsequently donated. The user was informed that in Pennsylvania, property is generally considered abandoned after a year of no contact.

Full Conversation

just curious if a lawyer would send a letter without signing or printing their name on it
It's unusual for a lawyer to send a letter without signing or printing their name on it. Can you tell me more about the context of this letter?
its a supposed demand letter from my ex. But it has no lawyer signature or printed name or stamp. It’s on lawyer letterhead but the letterhead is faded and looks almost like it was scanned in. Also it was mailed from my exs local post office, no where near the lawyers office locations
What is the content of the letter? It's important to know if it's threatening or making any specific demands.
Yes specific demands for furniture that he abandoned for almost a year despite being told to take it multiple times. Also his family was told to take it and I was instructed to get rid of it.
What state are you in? The laws regarding abandoned property vary by location.
pa
What is the exact date when you last communicated to him about the furniture? In Pennsylvania, property is generally considered abandoned after a year of no contact.
he came to pick up some stuff last September. I told him to take it all and he didn’t. He never reached out again for the furniture until now. Which is funny cause he’s a drug addict with multiple open criminal court cases for duis and drugs. and
What is the exact date he contacted you again for the furniture?

In Pennsylvania, if property is left for over a year, it's considered abandoned.
the letter came last Monday I think. So like two weeks short of a year. Oh I forgot to mention that the “lawyer demand letter” was addressed to my mum and not her full legal name (she uses her maiden name and married name)-and then the letter inside was addressed to me.
Did you or your mother respond to the letter?

In Pennsylvania, if property is left for over a year, it's considered abandoned. The letter's validity might be questionable if it's not properly addressed or signed.
no we have not.
Before responding, it's crucial to verify the authenticity of the letter. Have you contacted the law firm on the letterhead to confirm if they sent it?
No i haven’t. I know it’s a real lawyer. It’s the guy handling his dui and drug cases but
What is the name of the law firm or lawyer mentioned in the letterhead?
Michael moser
What is the location of Michael Moser's law firm?
allison park pa
What is the exact content of the demand letter?
the “lawyer” page says they’re looking to have his things returned and that I have 10 days or we could end up in court. There are also typos on letter. The second page is a list of things he says he wants.
What items are listed on the second page that he wants returned?
bed microwave engagement ring (which I don’t want anyways) he also asks for the wedding band that he never gave to me. And a bike that was gifted to my son
What is the date you received the letter? In Pennsylvania, a demand letter should give a reasonable time, typically 30 days, to respond.
*/*. The letter states I have 10 days
What is the date mentioned on the letter? In Pennsylvania, a demand letter should typically provide 30 days to respond.
The first page is dated */* and then the second is dated */*. And there’s no respond by this exact date, just says that I have 10 days
What is the current date?
*/*
What is the exact date you were instructed to get rid of the furniture?
Oct * of last year
What actions did you take after being instructed to get rid of the furniture?
and I still kept it for 9 months in the corner of my apartment we didn’t use
What is the current status of the furniture? Is it still in your possession or have you disposed of it?
it’s gone. We moved cause I had surgery and I couldn’t take anything. If I would have left it then I would have been charged by the apartment for leaving it so we had it donated.
What proof do you have that the furniture was donated? This could be important if the matter goes to court.
family members and a friend who were around when it happened
Do you have any documentation or receipt from the organization where you donated the furniture?
no it was just a drop off donation
Do you have any witnesses or any other form of evidence to prove that the furniture was donated?
just family and friends
Can they provide a written statement confirming that they witnessed the donation of the furniture?
oh yeah they would. And my exs dad will also take my side saying that the stuff was to be gotten rid of.
That's good. Having witnesses can strengthen your case. Do you have any written communication where you told your ex to take his belongings?
yes. Múltiple.
Do you have these communications saved and easily accessible? They could be crucial evidence if this matter proceeds to court.
yes. What do I do about the possible fake letter though?
Have you considered contacting Michael Moser's law firm directly to verify the authenticity of the letter?
my neighbor who’s a cop told me to ignore it cause it looked fake to him so not sure if I should or not. Would a criminal lawyer even handle a civil case?
Yes, a criminal lawyer can handle a civil case. However, it's best to verify the authenticity of the letter by contacting Michael Moser's law firm directly.
Ok. Thank you.
What is the contact information of Michael Moser's law firm?
Id have to look on the papers. I don’t have them with me