The Beaumont law firm Benckenstein, Norvell & Nathan has filed suit against American Express for refusing to investigate and remove fraudulent credit charges made by the firm's former office manager.
The suit was filed June 3 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, on June 10, 2009, the firm became aware that its office manager had racked up $24,896 in fraudulent charges on its American Express credit account.
The unidentified office manager was terminated the following day, brought up on charges, indicted by a grand jury and eventually pleaded guilty, the suit states.
On July 24, 2009, American Express informed the firm "that it did not have sufficient information to conduct a reasonable review of plaintiff's (fraudulent charges) claim," the suit states.
"Defendant has refused to acknowledge the fraudulent charges made on plaintiff's credit card account," the suit states. "The 'Fraud Protection Guarantee' made by defendant was false, misleading and deceptive."
Benckenstein, Norvell & Nathan is suing for the economic damages its has sustained because of the fraudulent charges.
Beaumont attorney Barry Bennett of Eddins & Bennett represents the firm.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. A190-207