WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal court has ruled that Harris Jewelry must reopen its claims process and notify eligible consumers, primarily active duty servicemembers, to resubmit claims for refunds. This decision came after the court found that the company violated a prior settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a multistate coalition led by the New York Attorney General’s Office by prematurely closing the claims portal. The reopened process is an attempt to ensure consumers can recover funds owed to them under the terms of the 2022 settlement.
The new claims period began on November 18, 2024, and will conclude on December 21, 2024. Consumers who made purchases from Harris Jewelry, including those who paid for a Lifetime Jewelry and Watch Protection Plan, are strongly encouraged to submit claims as soon as possible, particularly if they have not yet received refunds or have unresolved claims. Submissions can be completed through Harris Jewelry’s website.
A History of Violations
The mandate to reopen the claims process arises from Harris Jewelry’s past misconduct, which led to significant legal action in 2022. The company was accused of engaging in deceptive financing and sales practices that specifically targeted military families. According to complaints filed by the FTC and a coalition of 18 states, Harris Jewelry falsely claimed that financing purchases through the company would help servicemembers build their credit, a statement that proved to be unfounded. Additionally, the retailer misrepresented the optional nature of its protection plans, often adding these plans to purchases without consent.
Further allegations against the company included violations of multiple financial consumer protection laws, particularly the Military Lending Act, which is designed to shield servicemembers from abusive financial practices. These findings culminated in a settlement agreement under which Harris was required to provide substantial restitution and implement measures to mitigate the harm caused.
Terms of the 2022 Settlement
The stipulated order resulting from the 2022 settlement compelled Harris Jewelry to implement key corrective actions. These included halting the collection of millions of dollars in debt, offering refunds for the unnecessary protection plans, providing reimbursements for overpayments, and assisting consumers in removing negative credit entries associated with its financing schemes. The total refunds for the protection plans alone were estimated to reach $10.9 million. Harris was also tasked with ceasing its operations and dissolving the company in compliance with applicable state laws once it fulfilled its obligations under the settlement.
However, the premature shutdown of the claims process in violation of the agreement prompted the recent court order. This action intends to rectify that failure and restore access for consumers to seek financial redress.
What Affected Consumers Should Do
Consumers eligible for refunds should act quickly to submit their claims before the December 21, 2024, deadline. Priority should be given to individuals who purchased the Lifetime Jewelry and Watch Protection Plan or those who have unresolved claims for refunds. Harris Jewelry’s website remains the primary platform for filing claims during this reopened window.
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