TALLAHASSEE — A federal court has mandated Harris Jewelry to reopen its claims process and notify eligible consumers, many of whom are active-duty service members, to file claims for refunds by Dec. 21.
The order comes after Harris Jewelry prematurely shut down its claims portal, violating a settlement agreement with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office, 17 other states, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Harris Jewelry, which operated near military bases, was accused of targeting service members with deceptive practices.
The company allegedly misled military families into financing jewelry purchases by falsely claiming it would improve their credit scores, regardless of payment history.
Harris Jewelry was accused of automatically adding optional protection plans to purchases without consumers’ consent, violating the Military Lending Act and other consumer protection laws.
The July 2022 settlement required Harris Jewelry to halt debt collection, issue refunds for overpayments and unauthorized protection plans, assist with removing negative credit entries related to these debts and ultimately dissolve its operations after fulfilling all obligations.
Refunds for protection plans alone could total approximately $10.9 million.
However, Harris Jewelry shut down its claims portal before meeting these requirements, prompting the court to intervene.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody also expressed her concern about the company's premature closure, emphasizing the importance of compensating harmed military members.
"A federal court required Harris Jewelry to pay consumers millions of dollars in refunds, but the company prematurely shut down the claims portal," Moody said in a provided statement. "Now, the company is ordered to reopen the claims process so that military members harmed by its deceptive practices can be compensated. I encourage consumers who purchased items and services from Harris Jewelry and have yet to file a claim to request a refund as soon as possible."
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also urged his state's service members to act quickly.
"Thousands of Virginia servicemembers were misled and defrauded by Harris Jewelry’s predatory business practices, and it’s crucial that they take advantage of this final opportunity to recover the money they are owed," Miyares said in a provided statement. "I urge all eligible Virginians to submit their claims as soon as possible.”
The stipulated court order reinforces the 2022 settlement terms, ensuring eligible consumers have sufficient time to claim refunds.
By locating its stores near military bases, the company targeted service members, exploiting their unique financial circumstances, the 2022 lawsuit claimed.
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein also urged his state's servicemembers to file their claims.
"North Carolina servicemembers: please act now if you lost money to Harris Jewelry’s unlawful schemes," Stein said in a provided statement. "The new window to file a claim is short, so please make sure you act quickly. I’m pleased we were able to stop a bad actor and win back this money for North Carolinians, and I want people who were defrauded to get back every cent they are owed."
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also agreed.
"Thousands of Georgia’s servicemembers and veterans fell victim to Harris Jewelry’s deceptive acts, and we want to ensure they receive the financial relief they’re rightfully owed," Carr said in a statement. "We won’t allow anyone to take advantage of our military families, and we encourage all Georgians who are eligible to submit their refund requests as soon as possible."
The FTC and state attorneys general have emphasized their commitment to holding businesses accountable for such conduct.
Service members and veterans must submit claims by the Dec. 21 deadline to secure refunds.
This includes refunds for unauthorized protection plans, overpayments, and assistance with removing negative credit entries related to Harris Jewelry's financing practices.
This court-ordered extension offers an opportunity for consumers to seek redress and ensure they are compensated for deceptive practices that impact their financial well-being.