Harris and Harris Debt Collector Scam: Are They Legit or Should You Be Worried? [Insight 2025]

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?

Some red flags to watch for to determine if you’re being scammed:

1. Unsolicited Contact for Unknown Debts: If the caller or texter claims you owe a debt you don’t recognize, it could be a scam.
2. Pressure to Pay Immediately: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, demanding immediate payment or threatening legal action.
3. Requests for Unusual Payment Methods: Legitimate debt collectors won’t ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
4. Refusal to Provide Proof of Debt: A legitimate collector will provide written verification of the debt if requested. Scammers may avoid this or provide fake documents.
5. Threats or Aggressive Behavior: Scammers may use intimidation, threats of arrest, or other aggressive tactics, which are illegal for legitimate debt collectors.
6. Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers may fake their caller ID to appear as a legitimate agency. Always verify the caller’s identity independently.

What Should You Do?

• Ask for the collector’s name, company, address, and phone number.
• Request written validation of the debt.
• Verify the debt and the collector’s legitimacy by contacting the original creditor or checking the company’s official website.
• Report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s attorney general’s office.

By staying vigilant and verifying details, you can protect yourself from debt collection 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:

1. 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.
2. Utility Companies – The agency works with gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications companies to collect overdue bills from residential and commercial customers.
3. 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.
4. 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?

There are several reasons why Harris and Harris might be contacting you:

1. Debt Collection
   If you have an unpaid debt with a healthcare provider, utility company, or government entity, and your payments are delinquent, the original creditor may sell the debt to Harris & Harris. Once they acquire the debt, they will open a collections account in your name and attempt to recover the amount owed through written notices and phone calls.
2. Mistaken Identity
   In some cases, Harris & Harris may contact you by mistake. This could happen due to incorrect information or a case of mistaken identity. If you believe this is the case, it’s important to address the issue promptly.
3. Debt Validation
   Even if you’re unsure whether the debt is yours, it’s essential to communicate with the debt collector to gather details and confirm its validity. Requesting a debt validation letter is a critical step in this process.

How to Deal with Harris and Harris

If you’re contacted by Harris and Harris, here’s how to handle the situation:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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.