A federal court has mandated the reopening of Harris Jewelry’s refund claims process after thousands of consumers, predominantly servicemembers, were misled by deceptive marketing and sales practices. The nationwide jeweler has been instructed to reconnect with these consumers to facilitate claims for the available $10.9 million in refunds.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has urged affected consumers in the state to file their claims promptly to access their share of over $8 million still remaining in the settlement fund. This action follows a federal lawsuit that Pennsylvania, alongside 17 other states, levied against the New York-based retailer.
Harris Jewelry, which positioned itself close to military bases and utilized the slogan “Serving those who serve,” falsely advertised that purchasing from them could boost credit scores and sold unnecessary protection plans either by claiming they were mandatory or adding them without buyers’ consent. The company’s malpractices impacted an estimated 32,000 consumers nationwide.
“This company posed as a staunch supporter of our Armed Forces, when in reality, they were only looking out for their own profits, which were inflated by false promises and illegal sales practices,” stated Attorney General Henry. Consumers have until December 21, 2024, to file their claims through the newly reopened process.
The court also found Harris Jewelry guilty of violating a prior settlement which required the jeweler to refund customers and cancel debts. The violation stemmed from their premature closure of the refund portal and failure to adequately notify all impacted parties. Furthermore, the court has ordered Harris Jewelry to cease operations and dissolve as a company.
In July 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the coalition of states halted the retailer’s exploitative financing and sales practices, which breached multiple consumer protection laws, including the Military Lending Act. The Attorney General’s Office is now calling on all purchasers who opted for the Lifetime Jewelry and Watch Protection Plan and have not yet filed or received a response to their claims, to act swiftly and apply for refunds through Harris’ official claim site.
