Warning letter

[Ju]

I am always out of town. So I left $2,000 to my helper for any family emergency use. However, I found her taking that money for her own business without asking me. I am going to issue her a warning letter.

1. How shall I describe this kind of act, is "stealing" appropriate?
2. Any phrases you may find helpful for my reference while preparing this letter?
3. Any websites I could refer to?

Kindly help.... this is urgent!

Thanks.

[Barb_D]

How awful!

Yes, it's stealing! I hope you will tell her that you expect her to return every dollar, and that she has violated your trust.

Sorry, I don't know of any Web sites!

[Anglika]

How awful for you.

Firstly - are you intending to take this further than just warning your "helper"? If so, how far do you want to go? You must be prepared to involve a lawyer and the police if necessary.

Secondly - it is definitely theft.

This is merely a suggestion:

Dear ......,
It has come to my attention that during my absence, you have made personal use of the funds left in your care for coping with any family emergency that might arise with my [parents/children ... ]. The amount missing is [sum involved].

I expect this sum to be reimbursed immediately to me. If it is not repaid within [a stated period], I will be forced to report the matter to the authorities.

Your behaviour is a great disappointment to me, and leaves me with no conviction that I will be able to trust you in the future.

I expect to hear from you by return.

[Ju]

Anglika,

You have given me such a big help. I've just prepared a warning letter with your suggested content. I would let her stay at least until the end of this year (the end of the contract) as I can't afford to have no one with my daughter at home.

Anyway, thank you very very very much, Anglika.

love / ju

[Anglika]

Ju, take care. I hope you will be able to resolve this without too many problems. My advice is merely that - advice. If things look as though they are becoming nasty, you must get professional assistance.