Harris and Harris Debt Collection Scam Exposed: What You Need to Know

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Harris and Harris is a debt collection agency that has been accused of using unfair and deceptive practices to collect debts.

Their tactics include threatening lawsuits and arrest, even when they have no intention of following through.

This can cause significant emotional distress and financial hardship for those being targeted.

Debt Collection Scams to Watch Out For

Debt collection scams can be very convincing, but there are some red flags to watch out for. Debt collection scammers often claim that you owe a debt, which may be completely fake, canceled, discharged, forgiven, or beyond the period for collection.

They'll use various tactics to get you to pay, including intimidation, lies, and harassment. Be cautious and don't let them push you into making a payment without verifying the debt's legitimacy.

Scammers often insist on untraceable payment methods, such as Visa gift cards, iTunes gift cards, or wire transfers. Don't fall for this – real debt collectors will accept normal, trackable payments like checks or traditional credit cards.

Debt Collection Scams

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Debt collection scams can be very convincing, but there are warning signs to look out for. Debt collectors will often try to get payment quickly, but if they're being very pushy, you should be suspicious.

Scammers will often insist you pay immediately, which is a red flag. They want to get you to pay fake debts before you realize you're being scammed.

Debt collectors will accept normal, trackable payments, such as checks or traditional credit cards. Scammers, on the other hand, will often insist you make a payment by untraceable methods like wire transfer or gift cards.

Before you pay any debt to any collector, confirm that the debt is real and valid. Scammers can be very convincing, but it's up to you to do your due diligence.

Debt Validation Letter Request

Requesting a debt validation letter is a crucial step in dealing with debt collection calls. You can send a debt validation letter to ask the collector to prove the debt is yours.

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Under the FDCPA, the collector will have to provide you with proof of the debt. They can't try to collect on the debt until they do.

You must send the letter within 30 days of being first contacted by the collector. This is a strict deadline, so be sure to act quickly.

Carefully review the response you receive from the collector and write down any errors you see. This will help you identify any potential issues with the debt.

Understanding Harris and Harris Debt Collectors

Debt collection scammers are experts at making you think you owe money. They'll contact you by phone, text, fax, mail, or email and claim you owe a debt, even if it's fake, canceled, discharged, forgiven, or beyond the collection period.

Before you pay any debt, confirm it's real and valid. The scammer will use intimidation, lies, and harassment to get you to pay, so be on the lookout for these tactics.

It's essential to verify the debt's authenticity before paying any collector.

What Is Harris and Harris

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Harris and Harris debt collectors are a type of organization that can be particularly distressing for individuals who have experienced trauma or harassment in the past.

Phone harassment can take many forms, including unwanted calls, texts, or messages from unknown numbers, as well as calls from telemarketers or debt collectors like Harris and Harris.

No one should have to live in fear of receiving unwanted or threatening calls, as emphasized by Vice President Harris.

Understanding the nature of phone harassment is the first step in taking action against it and protecting your peace of mind.

Is a Legitimate Company?

Harris & Harris is a legitimate debt collection agency.

Accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, Harris & Harris has met certain accreditation standards.

A BBB-accredited business makes a good faith effort to find a solution to consumer complaints.

However, consumer complaints are not factored into the accreditation.

Harris & Harris must follow federal law for debt collection agencies, established under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA).

Removing Harris and Harris from Credit Report

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Removing Harris and Harris from your credit report can be a challenging task, but it's not impossible. You may have some ways to remove Harris & Harris from your credit report, but it's essential to remember that Harris & Harris can still pursue you for the debt you owe.

Just because negative information falls off your credit report, it doesn't change the fact that you owe the debt. You can try requesting a debt validation letter to ask Harris & Harris to validate whether the debt is yours. Under the FDCPA, Harris & Harris will have to provide you with proof before trying to collect on the debt.

Send a debt validation letter within 30 days of being contacted by Harris & Harris. Carefully review the response and write down any errors you see.

Phone Harassment

Phone harassment is a serious issue that affects many individuals and families across the country. According to Vice President Harris, no one should have to live in fear of receiving unwanted or threatening calls.

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Phone harassment can take many forms, including unwanted calls, texts, or messages from unknown numbers, as well as calls from telemarketers or debt collectors. This type of harassment can be particularly distressing for individuals who have experienced trauma or harassment in the past.

The constant barrage of unwanted calls or messages can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels, making it difficult to relax or feel safe. In fact, studies have shown that phone harassment can disrupt sleep patterns and make it hard to focus on daily tasks.

The fear of receiving unwanted calls can lead to social withdrawal, making you feel isolated from friends and family. This can contribute to decreased self-esteem or confidence, making you feel powerless and vulnerable.

Phone harassment can also have a significant impact on mental health, causing feelings of anxiety, fear, and vulnerability. To protect yourself, it's essential to be aware of the tactics used by harassers, such as spoofing, phishing, robocalls, and social media harassment.

Here are some common ways technology is used to harass:

  • Spoofing: Harassers use technology to disguise their number or identity, making it difficult to trace the call or message back to them.
  • Phishing: Using technology to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, is a common tactic used by harassers.
  • Robocalls: Automated systems can make repeated unwanted calls, often with pre-recorded messages, to harass or scam victims.
  • Social Media Harassment: Harassers can use social media platforms to send threatening or abusive messages, post harmful content, or impersonate victims.

It's essential to prioritize your mental health and seek support if you're experiencing phone harassment. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for help.

Taking Action Against Harris and Harris

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You've got hundreds of complaints against Harris & Harris Ltd. with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and over 1,000 complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Harris & Harris has been accused of using vulgar and abusive language to collect a debt, failing to provide documentation of a debt being paid off, and failing to validate a debt.

Here are some common complaints against Harris & Harris:

  • Harris & Harris uses vulgar and abusive language to collect a debt.
  • Harris & Harris fails to provide documentation of a debt being paid off.
  • Harris & Harris fails to validate a debt.
  • Harris & Harris calls consumers at their workplaces.
  • Harris & Harris uses robo calls to collect debt.
  • Harris & Harris reports inaccurate information to the credit bureaus on fraudulent debts.

If you're being harassed by Harris & Harris, know that you're not alone.

Sue or Garnish?

Harris & Harris may try to garnish your wages if they obtain a court judgment against you. This means they could take money directly from your paycheck until your debt is paid.

Some federal benefits like Social Security and VA benefits are protected from wage garnishment. Each state has its own rules about how to handle garnishment, so it's essential to seek outside help.

If Harris & Harris attempts to pursue legal action, consult with an attorney who specializes in collections for guidance. They can help you navigate the process and decide how to proceed with the case.

Received Many Complaints

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Harris and Harris has received hundreds of complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as of 2024.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has reported over 1,000 complaints against Harris & Harris Ltd.

Many of these complaints involve the use of vulgar and abusive language to collect a debt.

Harris & Harris has also been accused of failing to provide documentation of a debt being paid off to them.

In fact, they've even been known to call consumers at their workplaces, which is a clear violation of their rights.

Robo calls are another tactic used by Harris & Harris to collect debt, which is also a major red flag.

Harris & Harris has been reported to report inaccurate information to the credit bureaus on fraudulent debts.

Here are some of the specific violations of the FDCPA that Harris & Harris has been accused of:

  • Harris & Harris uses vulgar and abusive language to collect a debt.
  • Harris & Harris fails to provide documentation of a debt being paid off to them.
  • Harris & Harris fails to validate a debt.
  • Harris & Harris calls consumers at their workplaces.
  • Harris & Harris uses robo calls to collect debt.
  • Harris & Harris reports inaccurate information to the credit bureaus on fraudulent debts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't pay Harris and Harris?

If you don't pay Harris & Harris, they can take court action that may result in your income being garnished. Ignoring a legitimate debt can lead to serious consequences, including reduced access to your earnings.

What is the 11 word phrase to stop debt collectors?

To stop debt collectors, use the 11-word phrase: "Please cease and desist all calls and contact with me, immediately

What is the debt collector settlement for Harris and Harris?

Harris & Harris agreed to pay $1 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging they unlawfully collected medical payments from over 160,000 Washington patients without proper disclosures. The settlement involves Attorney General Bob Ferguson's office.

Sheldon Kuphal

Writer

Sheldon Kuphal is a seasoned writer with a keen insight into the world of high net worth individuals and their financial endeavors. With a strong background in researching and analyzing complex financial topics, Sheldon has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. His areas of expertise include Family Offices, Investment Management, and Private Wealth Management, where he has written extensively on the latest trends, strategies, and best practices.

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