If you have received a call or letter from Harris & Harris, you are not alone. This Chicago-based debt collection agency has been in business for over 50 years and works with thousands of consumers across the United States. Understanding who Harris & Harris is, what they do, and how to work with them can help you navigate the debt collection process more effectively. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Harris & Harris, from their history and services to your rights when dealing with them.
The History and Background of Harris & Harris
Harris & Harris has deep roots in the debt collection industry. The company was founded in 1968 by Samuel J. Harris, who worked as a Collection Manager for an apparel chain in Chicago. Mr. Harris noticed that the collection agencies his company contracted with often treated consumers poorly while failing to maximize recoveries for their clients. He believed there was a better way to approach debt collection, one that treated people with dignity and respect while still achieving results.
With this vision in mind, Samuel Harris started his own business in the basement of his home on Chicago's South Side. His philosophy was simple but revolutionary for the time: treat customers the way you would want to be treated. He understood that most people with outstanding obligations were not in that situation voluntarily. Rather than viewing them as irresponsible, he saw them as unfortunate individuals facing difficult circumstances.
This compassionate approach to collections became the foundation of Harris & Harris and continues to guide the company today. Samuel's sons, Arnold ("Arnie") and Dave Harris, joined the family business in the mid-1980s. Arnie came on board in 1986 as a litigating attorney, while Dave joined in 1988 as a front-line collection representative. Together, the Harris brothers expanded on their father's strong values and grew the company into one of the nation's largest accounts receivable management firms.
Today, Harris & Harris employs between 500 and 750 employees, depending on the source, and generates approximately $105.7 million in annual revenue. The company remains privately held and family-oriented, with Arnie and Dave Harris still involved in strategic business initiatives. They have hand-selected the current leadership team to ensure their father's legacy continues. David Peters currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Harris & Harris.
Where Harris & Harris Operates
Harris & Harris is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and maintains multiple call center locations across the Midwest to serve clients nationwide. The company is licensed in all 50 states, allowing them to collect debts throughout the country while maintaining compliance with state and local regulations.
Primary Office Location
Harris & Harris, Ltd.
111 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 650
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Phone: (312) 251-2300
Fax: (312) 251-2333
Toll-Free: 1-800-362-0097 or 1-866-781-4538
Website: www.harriscollect.com
Additional Call Center Locations
Beyond their Chicago headquarters, Harris & Harris operates call centers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan. This multi-location presence allows the company to provide extended service hours and maintain operational continuity for their clients.
Colorado Office
Harris & Harris also maintains a presence in Colorado:
1375 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 300A
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: (303) 920-4763
Office Hours
Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Standard Time (excluding holidays)
What Services Does Harris & Harris Provide?
Harris & Harris specializes in accounts receivable management and call center solutions for clients across multiple industries. Understanding the role of collection agencies in accounts receivable management helps explain how Harris & Harris fits into the broader financial ecosystem.
Core Service Offerings
Third-Party Debt Collection: Harris & Harris purchases or is assigned debt from original creditors and works to recover outstanding balances. This represents their primary business function and includes both contingency collections (where they earn a percentage of what they collect) and debt buying (where they purchase the debt outright).
First-Party Collections: The company also provides early-stage collection services, reaching out to consumers on behalf of clients before accounts become severely delinquent. This approach helps preserve the relationship between the original creditor and the consumer while increasing recovery rates.
Extended Business Office Services: Harris & Harris can function as an extension of a client's internal billing department, handling customer service inquiries, payment processing, and account maintenance in addition to collections.
Litigation Management: With Arnie Harris's background as a litigating attorney, the company has strong capabilities in managing lawsuits for debt collection when necessary. They handle the legal process from filing through judgment enforcement.
Customer Care and Contact Center Solutions: Beyond collections, Harris & Harris provides full-service call center capabilities for client companies. This includes customer support, payment inquiries, account servicing, and general customer care across multiple communication channels.
Asset Identification: The company uses advanced tools and databases to locate consumers who have moved or changed contact information, as well as to identify assets that may be available for debt recovery.
Revenue Cycle Consulting: Harris & Harris offers consulting services to help clients optimize their billing and collections processes, reduce bad debt, and improve cash flow.
Disaster Recovery Services: The company provides specialized services to help clients recover revenue following natural disasters or other disruptive events that impact normal business operations.
Technology and Analytics
Harris & Harris has invested heavily in technology infrastructure to provide superior service. The company utilizes advanced customer relationship management systems, omnichannel communication platforms, and proprietary analytics tools. Their dashboard reporting portal provides clients with real-time insights into portfolio performance, recovery rates, and consumer engagement metrics.
The company employs propensity to pay modeling and account scoring systems that recommend tailored workflows for individual accounts. This data-driven approach helps maximize recovery rates while ensuring appropriate treatment for each consumer based on their specific circumstances.
Industries Served by Harris & Harris
Harris & Harris specializes in debt collection for three primary industry verticals, each with unique regulatory requirements and collection complexities.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector represents a major focus area for Harris & Harris. The company collects medical debts on behalf of hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory care facilities, and other healthcare providers. They understand the sensitive nature of medical debt and the complex regulations governing healthcare collections, including the requirement to wait at least 180 days from the initial billing date before reporting adverse information to credit bureaus or filing lawsuits for hospital debts.
It is worth noting that in 2024, the Washington State Attorney General issued a $1 million fine against Harris & Harris for failing to properly inform patients of their right to seek financial assistance before pursuing medical debt collection. This case underscores the importance of compliance in healthcare collections and the serious consequences for violations. For consumers dealing with medical debt, understanding your rights in medical debt collection is crucial.
Government and Public Sector
Harris & Harris works extensively with federal, state, county, and municipal government entities to collect various types of public sector debt. This includes court fines and costs, parking tickets, toll violations, tax debts, and other government receivables.
The company is currently contracted with several major government entities, including:
District of Columbia Central Collection Unit: Harris & Harris serves as the primary collection vendor for the District of Columbia's Central Collection Unit, collecting non-tax debts more than 90 days delinquent on behalf of D.C. government agencies. Consumers with D.C. government debts can make payments at DC.PayHarris.com or by calling 833-480-8894, option 3.
New York State Tax Department: Harris & Harris serves as the private collection agency for the New York State Tax Department, contacting taxpayers about outstanding tax debts. Consumers working with Harris & Harris on New York tax matters can reach them at (866) 354-0385.
Various Municipal Governments: The company provides collection services for numerous city and county governments across the country, handling everything from utility bills to code violation fines.
Harris & Harris has developed expertise in navigating the complex collection systems used by different levels of government and maintains all necessary licenses and bonds required for public sector collections.
Utilities and Telecommunications
The third major industry vertical for Harris & Harris is utilities and telecommunications. The company collects unpaid bills for electric, gas, water, sewage, and telecommunications services. Utility debt collection requires understanding of state-specific regulations regarding disconnection notices, payment arrangements, and consumer protections for essential services.
Other Sectors
While healthcare, government, and utilities represent their core focus areas, Harris & Harris also provides services to clients in banking and finance, toll authorities, and other commercial sectors requiring accounts receivable management.
Your Rights When Dealing with Harris & Harris
If Harris & Harris contacts you about a debt, it is essential to know your rights under federal and state law. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides comprehensive protections for consumers dealing with third-party debt collectors.
Key Consumer Rights Under the FDCPA
Right to Debt Validation: You have the right to request written validation of any debt within 30 days of initial contact. Harris & Harris must provide documentation showing they have the right to collect the debt, the amount owed, the original creditor's name, and other key details. Never make a payment until you have verified the debt is legitimate and accurate.
Right to Dispute the Debt: If you believe the debt is not yours, is incorrect, or has already been paid, you have the right to dispute it in writing. Harris & Harris must cease collection efforts until they provide verification.
Protection from Harassment: Debt collectors cannot call you repeatedly with the intent to harass, use obscene or abusive language, threaten violence, or publish your name as someone who refuses to pay debts.
Restrictions on Communication: Harris & Harris cannot contact you before 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM in your time zone. They cannot contact you at work if you inform them your employer prohibits such calls. If you request in writing that they stop contacting you, they must comply (though they can still inform you of specific actions like filing a lawsuit).
Right to Stop Contact: You can request that Harris & Harris cease communication with you by sending a written letter. Once they receive this request, they can only contact you to confirm they will stop or to inform you of specific actions being taken.
Protection of Exempt Income: Certain sources of income are protected from garnishment, including Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, disability benefits, unemployment compensation, veteran's benefits, and child support payments. If your income comes primarily from these sources, inform Harris & Harris in writing.
Right to Sue for Violations: If Harris & Harris violates the FDCPA, you can sue them in state or federal court within one year of the violation. You may recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $1,000, and attorney's fees.
For detailed information about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and your consumer rights, visit the Federal Trade Commission website or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also provides extensive resources about debt collection practices and consumer protections.
State-Specific Rights
In addition to federal protections, many states have enacted their own debt collection laws that may provide additional protections. For example, California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act regarding how their personal information is collected, used, and disclosed. Harris & Harris maintains information about state-specific requirements on their website.
How to Respond to Harris & Harris
If Harris & Harris contacts you about a debt, taking the right steps can protect your rights and help you resolve the situation effectively.
Step 1: Document Everything
Keep detailed records of every interaction with Harris & Harris. Note the date, time, name of the representative you spoke with, and the content of the conversation. Save all letters, emails, and text messages. This documentation can be invaluable if disputes arise or if you need to prove FDCPA violations.
Step 2: Request Debt Validation
Within 30 days of the first contact from Harris & Harris, send a written request for debt validation. This letter should ask for:
- Proof that Harris & Harris has the right to collect the debt
- The name and last known address associated with the debt
- The name of the original creditor and account number
- The debt balance, including any interest or fees added
- The date the debt became delinquent or the date of your last payment
- A copy of the original contract or agreement
Send this request via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery. Harris & Harris must provide this information before continuing collection efforts.
Step 3: Verify the Debt is Yours
Once you receive validation documents, carefully review them to ensure the debt is actually yours and the amount is correct. Check for:
- Correct name and address
- Accurate balance (including any questionable fees or interest)
- Whether the debt is within your state's statute of limitations for legal action
- Whether you have already paid the debt or settled it with the original creditor
If anything seems incorrect, dispute the debt in writing immediately. Understanding how the statute of limitations affects debt collection can help you assess your situation.
Step 4: Consider Your Options
If the debt is valid and accurate, you have several options:
Pay in Full: If you can afford to pay the full balance, this resolves the matter quickly. Before paying, get a written agreement from Harris & Harris confirming the payment amount will satisfy the debt in full.
Negotiate a Settlement: Harris & Harris may be willing to accept less than the full balance as a settlement. Negotiate in writing and get any agreement documented before making payment. A settlement will typically be reported to credit bureaus as "settled" rather than "paid in full," but it still resolves the debt.
Set Up a Payment Plan: If you cannot pay in full but can make monthly payments, Harris & Harris offers payment arrangement options. Get the terms in writing, including the monthly amount, number of payments, and confirmation that completing the plan satisfies the debt.
Request Financial Hardship Consideration: If you are experiencing genuine financial hardship due to job loss, medical issues, or other circumstances, communicate this to Harris & Harris. They may be able to work with you on modified payment terms or temporary forbearance.
Dispute the Debt: If you believe the debt is not yours, is inaccurate, or has been paid, dispute it in writing and request that Harris & Harris provide proof. Do not make any payments on a debt you dispute.
Step 5: Know When to Seek Help
If Harris & Harris files a lawsuit against you, ignores your requests for validation, violates the FDCPA, or if you simply feel overwhelmed by the process, consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney or credit counseling service. Many consumer attorneys offer free consultations and may take cases on a contingency basis if FDCPA violations occurred.
Organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates can help you find qualified attorneys in your area. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies can help you develop a budget and negotiate with creditors, including collection agencies like Harris & Harris.
How to Contact Harris & Harris
If you need to reach Harris & Harris to discuss a debt, dispute an account, or make a payment, here is their complete contact information:
Mailing Address
For General Correspondence:
Harris & Harris, Ltd.
Attention: Consumer Assistance
111 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 650
Chicago, IL 60604
For Payments by Mail:
Harris & Harris
P.O. Box 186
Chicago, IL 60690
Phone Numbers
Main Phone: (312) 251-2300
Toll-Free: 1-800-362-0097 or 1-866-781-4538
For D.C. Government Debts: 833-480-8894, option 3
For New York State Tax Debts: (866) 354-0385
Online Resources
Website: www.harriscollect.com
Dispute Form: Available on their website
Payment Portal for D.C. Debts: DC.PayHarris.com
Important Notes About Contact
All communications with Harris & Harris may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance and training purposes. When calling, have your account or case reference number ready if you have received correspondence from them. The information you provide is intended only for the account holder or their legal representative, and attempting to access another person's account information is a violation of the Federal Privacy Act.
Company Culture and Community Involvement
Beyond their business operations, Harris & Harris emphasizes a corporate culture built on the core values established by founder Samuel Harris: respect, compassion, integrity, diversity, and trust. The company has created the "Harris Cares" program through which employees participate in community service and philanthropic activities.
Recent community involvement has included partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to pack food for thousands of Chicagoland families, conducting sock drives for senior citizens through BRIA Health Services, and supporting various local charities throughout the year. The company views these initiatives as essential to improving the communities where they operate and where their employees live.
Harris & Harris Reputation and Reviews
Like most debt collection agencies, Harris & Harris has a mixed reputation among consumers. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, which means they have agreed to meet certain BBB standards and respond to consumer complaints in good faith. However, the BBB rating does not reflect the number or nature of complaints received.
As of 2024, Harris & Harris has had over 285 complaints filed with the BBB in the past three years. The company currently holds a 1.1 out of 5-star rating on the BBB website based on consumer reviews. Common complaints include allegations of repeated phone calls, difficulty reaching representatives, lack of proper debt validation, and perceived harassment.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau database contains over 192 complaints against Harris & Harris, primarily related to communication tactics, attempts to collect debts not owed, and concerns about verification procedures. Some consumers report positive experiences with helpful representatives who worked with them to resolve debts, while others describe frustrating interactions and aggressive collection tactics.
These mixed reviews are somewhat typical for the debt collection industry. Individual experiences often depend on the specific circumstances of each case, the consumer's approach to communication, and the particular representatives involved. It is important to remember that even when dealing with a legitimate collection agency, you have legal rights that must be respected.
Distinguishing Harris & Harris from Similarly Named Companies
It is important not to confuse Harris & Harris, Ltd. (the debt collection agency) with other companies that have similar names:
Harris Corporation / L3Harris: A completely different company in the defense and aerospace technology sector, now known as L3Harris Technologies after a merger.
Harris Companies: A mechanical and electrical contracting company based in the Midwest, not related to debt collection.
Harris & Associates: An engineering and consulting firm serving the infrastructure sector, unrelated to financial services or collections.
Always verify you are dealing with the correct company by checking their website at harriscollect.com and confirming their Chicago, Illinois address at 111 W. Jackson Blvd.
Certifications and Compliance
Harris & Harris maintains various certifications and follows strict compliance standards required for debt collection operations:
State Licensing: The company is licensed to collect debts in all 50 states and maintains the requirements of state and local licenses nationwide.
Better Business Bureau Accreditation: Accredited since July 17, 2018.
ACA International Membership: Harris & Harris is a member of ACA International, the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, and follows the organization's standards.
Security Standards: The company has implemented robust security frameworks including encryption, hardened network systems, and rigorous monitoring to protect sensitive consumer data. They regularly undergo security audits and maintain compliance with data protection regulations.
FDCPA Compliance: All staff members are trained in Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requirements and the company's policies require strict compliance with federal and state debt collection laws.
The Bottom Line on Harris & Harris
Harris & Harris is a well-established, Chicago-based debt collection agency with over 50 years of experience in the industry. Founded on principles of treating consumers with respect while maximizing recoveries for clients, the company has grown into one of the nation's largest accounts receivable management firms with 500 to 750 employees and approximately $105.7 million in annual revenue.
The company specializes in collections for healthcare, government, and utility industries. They maintain call centers in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, and are licensed to operate in all 50 states. Harris & Harris is currently contracted with major government entities including the District of Columbia Central Collection Unit and the New York State Tax Department.
If Harris & Harris contacts you about a debt, remember to exercise your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Request debt validation, document all interactions, verify the debt is accurate, and consider your options before making any payments. Whether you choose to pay in full, negotiate a settlement, set up a payment plan, or dispute the debt, understanding your rights and the collection process will help you make informed decisions.
For consumers who believe Harris & Harris has violated their rights, resources are available through the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, state attorneys general, and consumer protection attorneys. Taking action promptly when contacted by Harris & Harris can help you resolve debts more effectively and protect your financial future.
