Updated on February 19th, 2025 Author: stopcollections | Editor: stopcollections

Consumer Complaints Against Harris & Harris, Ltd.

Disclaimer: The following content is a summary of complaints submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by consumers. The information provided is intended to inform and educate consumers about potential issues and experiences reported with the mentioned entity. 

When dealing with debt collection agencies, consumers have the right to fair treatment as outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Unfortunately, many individuals have reported issues with Harris & Harris, Ltd., through complaints submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). These reports highlight recurring patterns that suggest potential violations of consumer rights. This article aims to educate consumers on these frequent complaints and provide actionable steps to protect themselves.

Key Complaints Reported by Consumers 

Failure to Validate Debt Requests

One of the most commonly reported issues is the agency’s failure to validate debts after consumers have formally requested verification. Many individuals claim they receive no response from Harris & Harris, which is a direct violation of federal law under the FDCPA.

What Does the FDCPA Say?

Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are required to provide debt validation within five days of the initial contact if requested. Failure to comply may constitute a breach of consumer rights.

What You Can Do:

• Submit a written request for debt validation via certified mail and retain a record of all correspondence.
• If the agency fails to validate the debt, file a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general’s office.
• Consider consulting legal experts to explore potential violations under the FDCPA.

If you believe your debt validation rights have been ignored, reach out to a legal professional to protect your rights.

Contacting the Wrong Person or Number

Another frequent complaint involves the agency contacting individuals for debts they do not owe. CFPB submissions reveal numerous instances of mistaken identity, causing confusion and distress for consumers.

What Does the FDCPA Say?

The FDCPA prohibits false representation of debts and harassment. Persistently contacting the wrong individual may reflect a lack of due diligence by the agency.

What You Can Do:

• Inform the agency in writing that they are contacting the wrong person and request that they cease further communication.
• Document all calls and messages to build a case should the issue persist.
• File a dispute with the CFPB if the agency does not address your concerns.

Have you been contacted for debts that aren’t yours? Speak with a lawyer to better understand your legal options.

Harassment and Unwanted Calls

Consumers frequently report receiving harassing calls and texts, sometimes multiple times a day, disrupting daily life despite requests to remove their contact details from call lists.

What Does the FDCPA Say?

The FDCPA prohibits harassment and abusive practices, including excessive calls with the intent to annoy or harass the consumer.

What You Can Do:

• Send a cease-and-desist letter requesting the agency stop all forms of contact.
• Keep a detailed log of the frequency and content of the calls as evidence.
• File complaints with both the CFPB and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) if the harassment continues.

Don’t tolerate harassment—consult a legal expert to take action against unwanted or excessive communication from debt collectors.

Ignored Dispute Requests

Another significant issue raised by CFPB submissions is the agency’s failure to respond to formal disputes regarding the validity of debts.

What Does the FCRA Say?

The FCRA requires accurate reporting of debt information, and ignoring disputes may breach this requirement. Additionally, the FDCPA mandates debt collectors cease collection efforts while a dispute is under review.

What You Can Do:

• Send a written dispute letter detailing why you believe the debt is invalid and provide accompanying evidence.
• Verify with major credit bureaus that the disputed debt is not being reported incorrectly.
• If the agency continues collection efforts without acknowledging your dispute, file a complaint with the CFPB or pursue legal counsel.

If your dispute has been ignored, contact an attorney to hold the agency accountable.

Collection on Debts Not Owed

Some consumers report being pursued for debts they do not owe, a situation that has led individuals to seek legal action to protect themselves.

What Does the FDCPA Say?

Attempting to collect debts that the consumer does not owe violates the FDCPA and may constitute false or misleading representation.

What You Can Do:

• Send a written debt validation request to confirm the details of the debt.
• Dispute the debt with both the agency and the credit bureaus to ensure it is not affecting your credit report.
• Seek legal advice to determine whether you can take action for damages caused by the agency’s misconduct.

Pursued for a debt you don’t owe? Speak to a legal professional to enforce your consumer rights.

Free Legal Assistance for Victims of Debt Collector Violations

If you’re facing similar issues with Harris & Harris, it’s crucial to know your rights and act quickly. You don’t have to deal with these violations alone.

How To Get Free Legal Assistance 

• Step 1: Reach out to our legal experts for a free consultation. 
• Step 2: Share your experience, and we’ll help assess whether your rights under the FDCPA or FCRA have been violated. 
• Step 3: If applicable, we’ll guide you through the process of filing a claim and stopping illegal collection practices.

Our legal experts specialize in protecting consumers like you from unfair debt collection practices. Take control of your situation today and assert your legal rights.

Contact us now for your FREE consultation and stop unfair debt collection practices in their tracks!

About the author:

stopcollections

See more posts from stopcollections