Girl Scouts file small-claim lawsuits

WAUKESHA, Wis. -- Girl Scout cookies aren't free.

One scout group has filed small-claims lawsuits against people who failed to pay up.

Christine Slowinski, communications director for the Girl Scouts' Great Blue Heron Council, said the legal action Thursday came only after several efforts to collect the money from sales of cookies in the annual fund-raising campaign over the past two years.

The amounts owed by two couples and three other women ranged from $301.42 to $1,485.68.

"We call many times before taking this step," Slowinski said. "We send them letters. When all else fails, this is our last resort."

Form letters that preceded the legal action read, "Please note that nonpayment for Girl Scout cookies represents fraud," and advised the non-payers to arrange a repayment plan.