Yes, Harris and Harris Limited is a legitimate debt collection agency that has been in operation since 1968
Have you received a call from Harris and Harris Limited, a debt collection agency? You’re not alone. Many people are contacted by Harris and Harris about alleged debts, leading some to wonder, “Is Harris and Harris legit?” This blog post dives deep into Harris and Harris, exploring their legitimacy, common concerns, and how to handle them effectively.
Is Harris and Harris a Legitimate Debt Collector?
Yes, Harris and Harris Limited is a legitimate debt collection agency that has been in operation since 1968. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company specializes in recovering various types of consumer debts, including unpaid healthcare bills, government-related debts, utility balances, and other financial obligations. They work on behalf of creditors to collect outstanding balances from consumers.
Harris and Harris is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating, which indicates adherence to ethical business practices and responsiveness to consumer complaints. However, while a high BBB rating reflects the company’s compliance with certain standards, it does not necessarily mean all consumers have positive experiences. Many debt collection agencies, including Harris and Harris, receive complaints regarding aggressive collection tactics, communication issues, and disputes over debt validity.
If you are contacted by Harris and Harris regarding a debt, it is essential to verify the legitimacy of the claim before making any payments. Consumers have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which protects them from harassment and ensures they receive accurate information about their debts. If you believe the debt is incorrect or need more details, you can request a debt validation letter to confirm its legitimacy.
Contact information
Website —Harris and Harris
Phone number — 1-800-362-0097 (Toll-Free)
Address — 111 W Jackson Blvd Ste 400, Chicago, IL 60604
How Do I Know if I’m Being Scammed?
Scammers often pose as legitimate debt collectors to trick people into paying money they don’t owe. They use high-pressure tactics, threats, and deceptive methods to create fear and urgency. Recognizing the warning signs can help you avoid falling victim to a scam.
Red Flags That Indicate a Scam
- Unsolicited Contact for an Unknown Debt
If you receive a call, text, or email about a debt you don’t recognize, be cautious. Scammers may claim you owe money to a creditor you’ve never done business with. Always verify the legitimacy of the debt before taking any action. Contact the original creditor directly using their official contact information. - Pressure to Pay Immediately
Scammers often try to rush you into making a payment by creating a sense of urgency. They may claim you’ll be sued, arrested, or have your wages garnished if you don’t pay immediately. A legitimate debt collector will not demand instant payment without providing you time to verify the debt. - Requests for Unusual Payment Methods
If you’re asked to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards, it’s a major red flag. These payment methods are difficult to trace and cannot be reversed. Legitimate debt collectors will provide secure and traceable payment options. - Refusal to Provide Proof of Debt
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors must provide written verification of the debt if you request it. Scammers often avoid this step or send fake documents. If a caller refuses to send verification, do not make any payments. - Threats, Harassment, or Aggressive Behavior
Scammers frequently use intimidation tactics, such as threats of legal action, arrest, or damage to your credit score. They may also use abusive language to pressure you into paying. Legitimate debt collectors must follow legal guidelines and cannot harass or threaten you. - Caller ID Spoofing
Some scammers manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though they are calling from a trusted source, such as a government agency or well-known financial institution. Always verify a debt collector’s identity by looking up their official contact details and calling them directly.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
- Gather Information: Ask for the caller’s full name, company name, address, and phone number. A legitimate collector should have no problem providing this information.
- Request Written Validation: Ask for a written notice detailing the debt. A real collector is required to send this within five days of initial contact.
- Verify the Debt: If you are unsure about the debt, contact the original creditor directly using their official website or customer service number.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid giving out sensitive details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card details, to unknown callers.
- Report the Scam: If you believe you’re being scammed, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or your state’s attorney general’s office.
Stay Vigilant and Protect Yourself
Debt collection scams can be stressful and intimidating, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself. Always take the time to verify any debt claim, never rush into making a payment, and report suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.ection scams.
Should You Be Wary of Harris and Harris?
While Harris and Harris is a legitimate company, there are reasons to be cautious, particularly regarding their collection practices. Here’s a closer look at some red flags:
- Harris and Harris Reviews and Complaints: The BBB profile for Harris and Harris Limited reveals a concerning pattern. Despite the A+ rating, the agency has received numerous complaints over the past three years. Many consumers report issues with:
- Aggressive collection tactics: These include excessive phone calls, even outside permitted hours, and using threatening or harassing language.
- Inaccurate debt information: Some complain about being contacted for debts they don’t recognize or believe they don’t owe.
- Difficulties communicating with representatives: Getting a hold of a helpful representative and resolving issues can be challenging.
Who Does Harris and Harris Collect For (312-460-3948)?
The phone number (312-460-3948) is likely associated with Harris and Harris Limited, a well-known debt collection agency headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. They collect debts on behalf of various creditors across multiple industries. If you receive a call from this number, it may be regarding an outstanding balance owed to one of their clients.
Harris and Harris primarily collect for:
- Healthcare Providers – Many hospitals, medical clinics, and healthcare facilities use Harris and Harris to recover unpaid medical bills from patients. These debts may include doctor visits, emergency room charges, diagnostic tests, and other healthcare-related expenses.
- Utility Companies – The agency works with gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications companies to collect overdue bills from residential and commercial customers.
- Government Agencies – Harris and Harris frequently partners with local, state, and federal government agencies to recover unpaid taxes, parking tickets, toll violations, court fees, and other government-related debts.
- Credit Card Companies (Less Common) – While not their primary focus, they may also collect outstanding balances on behalf of credit card companies, banks, or financial institutions.
If you receive a call from Harris and Harris, it’s crucial to verify the debt before making any payments. You have the right to request a debt validation letter under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to confirm the accuracy of the debt. If you believe the debt is incorrect or have concerns about their collection practices, you can dispute the claim or seek legal advice. Always be cautious before sharing personal information or making payments over the phone.
Why Is Harris and Harris Calling You?
If you’ve been receiving phone calls, letters, or voicemails from Harris & Harris, Ltd., you’re not alone. This Chicago-based debt collection agency frequently contacts individuals across the United States on behalf of various clients. There are several possible reasons why Harris & Harris might be calling you:
1. You Owe a Legitimate Debt
The most common reason for receiving a call from Harris & Harris is that you may owe a legitimate outstanding debt. The agency collects debts on behalf of multiple industries, including:
- Healthcare providers and hospitals (for unpaid medical bills)
- Utility companies (electric, gas, water, or internet services)
- Government agencies and municipalities (for unpaid fines, tolls, or fees)
- Transportation authorities (such as parking violations or toll violations)
If you’ve recently visited a hospital, used a public service, or have an unpaid bill, the call may relate to that specific account.
2. The Debt Belongs to Someone Else
In some cases, Harris & Harris may have the wrong contact information. Debt collectors often purchase large portfolios of debt, and records can contain errors such as:
- Mistyped or outdated phone numbers
- Debts belonging to a previous owner of your phone number
- Accounts assigned to a person with a similar name
If you believe the debt isn’t yours, you have the right to request written validation of the debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). You should never make payments or provide personal information until you confirm the debt is valid and belongs to you.
3. The Debt Has Already Been Paid or Settled
It’s possible that you’ve already resolved the account with the original creditor or another collection agency, but Harris & Harris is still trying to collect due to delayed record updates. If you have proof of payment (such as receipts or settlement letters), you can submit documentation to have your account corrected and collection efforts stopped.
4. They Are Attempting to Locate Someone
Sometimes, debt collectors call to track down another person—a process known as “skip tracing.” If you share a last name, address, or phone number with someone who owes a debt, Harris & Harris may be trying to reach that individual.
By law, they may only contact you once to seek information and cannot discuss any debt details with you if you are not the debtor.
5. They Are Violating Collection Laws
Unfortunately, some consumers report repeated or aggressive calls from Harris & Harris that may cross the line into harassment. The FDCPA protects consumers from:
- Excessive or repetitive phone calls
- Calls made before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Use of threatening, abusive, or profane language
- Contacting your workplace after being asked not to
- Failing to validate the debt upon request
If you’re experiencing any of these behaviors, you may send a cease-and-desist letter to demand that the company stop contacting you. Continued harassment after such notice could form the basis of a legal claim under the FDCPA.
How to Deal with Harris and Harris
If you’re contacted by Harris and Harris, here’s how to handle the situation:
- Verify the Debt: Don’t admit owing the debt or agree to any payment plan until you understand the details. Ask for written verification of the debt, including the original creditor, amount owed, and breakdown of charges.
- Know Your Rights: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protects consumers from abusive collection practices. Learn about your rights under the FDCPA at the Federal Trade Commission website https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/fair-debt-collection-practices-act-text.
- Communicate in Writing: Request all communication from Harris and Harris to be done in writing via mail. This creates a paper trail and protects you from potential miscommunication.
- Dispute the Debt (if applicable): If you believe the debt is inaccurate, file a dispute letter within 30 days of receiving the debt validation notice.
- Negotiate a Payment Plan (if applicable): Once you’ve verified the debt, consider negotiating a payment plan that fits your budget.
If You’re Being Harassed by Harris and Harris
Debt collectors, including Harris and Harris, are required to follow strict guidelines under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This law prohibits them from using abusive, deceptive, or harassing tactics to collect debts. If Harris and Harris is engaging in harassing behavior—such as making excessive phone calls, using threatening language, or employing abusive tactics—you have the right to take action.
Examples of harassment may include:
- Calling you repeatedly throughout the day or at unreasonable hours.
- Threatening legal action they cannot take or using intimidating language.
- Using profane or offensive language.
- Contacting you after you’ve requested they stop in writing.
- Failing to provide proper validation of the debt.
If you believe Harris and Harris is violating these rules, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftc.gov. The FTC enforces consumer protection laws and investigates complaints about unfair or deceptive practices. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at https://www.consumerfinance.gov, which oversees debt collection practices.
Additionally, you may consider sending a cease-and-desist letter to Harris and Harris, demanding they stop contacting you. If the harassment continues, you could have grounds to sue the agency for violating the FDCPA. Document all interactions, including dates, times, and details of conversations, as this evidence can support your case. Remember, you have rights as a consumer, and no one should be subjected to harassment over debt collection.
Example of a Cease-and-Desist Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
Date: [Insert Date]
Harris & Harris, Ltd.
111 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60604
Re: Cease and Desist Request – Harassment and FDCPA Violation
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to formally demand that Harris & Harris, Ltd. immediately cease and desist from any further contact with me regarding any alleged debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(c), I have the legal right to request that a debt collector stop contacting me.
Your repeated calls, letters, and/or other forms of communication have become harassing and unwelcome. I am requesting that you cease all direct contact with me immediately, including but not limited to telephone calls, text messages, emails, letters, or any other form of communication.
Please be advised that any further contact from your agency, except as permitted by law (such as confirming that collection efforts have ceased or that legal action will be taken), will be considered a violation of federal law and may result in legal action against your company.
If you believe I owe a valid debt, please provide written proof of the debt, including the original creditor’s name, account number, and verification of the balance claimed. Otherwise, remove my contact information from your system and refrain from any further attempts to communicate with me.
I am keeping detailed records of all communications and will not hesitate to report violations to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and my state’s Attorney General’s Office.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
(Note: This is a general sample for informational purposes only. You may wish to consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.)
Exploring Alternatives and Finding Help
- Debt Consolidation: Consider consolidating your debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This can simplify your payments and potentially save you money. However, explore all options carefully and avoid predatory lending practices.
- Credit Counseling: Non-profit credit counseling agencies can provide free or low-cost financial advice and help you develop a debt management plan. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is a great resource to find a reputable agency: https://www.nfcc.org/
- Debt Settlement: Debt settlement companies negotiate with creditors to reduce your outstanding debt for a lump sum payment. While this might seem appealing, it can have negative consequences for your credit score. Thoroughly research this option before proceeding.
Additional Resources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
- Your State Attorney General’s Office: Many state attorney general offices have resources and consumer protection divisions that can assist with debt collection issues.
Conclusion
Harris and Harris Limited is a legitimate debt collection agency. However, numerous consumer complaints raise concerns about their collection practices. If you’re contacted by Harris and Harris, remain calm, understand your rights, and don’t hesitate to seek help from reputable resources. Remember, you have options when dealing with debt, and you don’t have to navigate this process alone.
FAQS
Q: Is Harris & Harris a legitimate debt collector?
A: Yes, Harris & Harris is a legitimate debt collection agency. They specialize in consumer debts, particularly in the healthcare, government, and utility sectors.
Q: Why am I getting texts from Harris & Harris?
A: You may be receiving texts from Harris & Harris because they are attempting to collect a debt you owe. Alternatively, they might be contacting you in error.
Q: What happens if you ignore a debt collector?
A: Ignoring a debt collector can lead to further collection efforts, potential legal action, and damage to your credit score if the debt remains unpaid.
Q: Are debt collector phone calls real?
A: While many debt collector calls are legitimate, scammers can impersonate real agencies. It’s important to verify the caller’s identity and the legitimacy of the debt to ensure it’s not a scam.