A federal court has mandated Harris Jewelry to reopen its claims process and notify consumers, primarily active duty servicemembers, to submit their refund claims. The court determined that Harris Jewelry breached its previous settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a multistate group, including the Delaware Department of Justice, by closing the claims portal prematurely.
The reopened claims process will be available for 33 days, starting from November 18, 2024, and concluding on December 21, 2024.
“With this year’s Veteran’s Day just past us, we are reminded to be vigilant against those who would take advantage of those who have served our country,” Attorney General Jennings stated. “Harris Jewelry’s conduct was unconscionable. The reopening of the claims portal in this case allows those servicemembers victimized by Harris Jewelry to get a small piece of justice and help ensure the company is held accountable for its actions.”
Attorney General Jennings encourages consumers who bought items from Harris Jewelry and paid for a Lifetime Jewelry and Watch Protection Plan but have not filed a claim or have not received a response from Harris Jewelry to request a refund through Harris's website promptly.
In July 2022, the FTC along with 18 states intervened to halt illegal financing and sales practices by the national jewelry retailer targeting military families. According to the complaint, Harris Jewelry falsely claimed that financing jewelry purchases through them would improve servicemembers’ credit scores. They misrepresented protection plans as mandatory or added them without consumer consent. The company allegedly violated several financial consumer protection laws, including the Military Lending Act.
Under an agreed order with the FTC and multistate group, Harris was instructed to cease collecting millions in debt, provide refunds for purchased protection plans totaling approximately $10.9 million, issue refunds for overpayments, and assist in removing negative credit entries related to debt from consumers' credit reports. Additionally, Harris must complete its business closure according to state laws once it fulfills these obligations.
The court's recent directive aims at providing consumers adequate time to file refund claims following the 2022 settlement agreement.