A federal court has mandated Harris Jewelry to reopen its refund claims process, urging the company to contact thousands of consumers, primarily servicemembers, who were affected by deceptive marketing and sales practices. Attorney General Michelle Henry is encouraging Pennsylvanians impacted by these practices to submit refund claims to access $10.9 million in refunds and other relief from the jeweler, with over $8 million still available.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently disclosed these developments following a federal lawsuit involving 18 states against Harris Jewelry. The New York-based company had targeted servicemembers with promises of improved credit scores through purchases—a claim that proved false. They also sold protection plans as mandatory or added them without consumer consent.
Approximately 32,000 consumers nationwide are eligible for relief. "This company posed as a staunch supporter of our Armed Forces when in reality, Harris was only looking out for their own profits," stated Attorney General Michelle Henry. She urged eligible individuals to act promptly due to the limited time frame for filing claims.
The new claims process will remain open until December 21, 2024. Many Harris Jewelry outlets were located near military bases and marketed using the slogan “Serving those who serve.” A federal court determined that Harris violated a settlement agreement by closing the refund portal prematurely and failing to notify all affected consumers.
Per the court order, Harris must cease operations and dissolve as a company. In July 2022, the FTC and several states halted the retailer's illegal financing and sales practices targeting military families. The complaint accused Harris of falsely claiming that financing jewelry would enhance credit scores, misrepresenting protection plans as non-optional or required, adding plans without consent, and violating financial consumer protection laws including the Military Lending Act.
The Office of Attorney General advises consumers who purchased items from Harris Jewelry or paid for a Lifetime Jewelry and Watch Protection Plan but have not yet filed a claim—or have not received feedback—to request refunds via Harris’ claim website promptly.