How to Remove Harris & Harris From Your Credit Report

Seeing Harris & Harris listed on your credit report can feel unsettling, especially if you’re not familiar with the name. In most cases, this entry appears because Harris and Harris Limited is acting as a debt collector for an unpaid bill. They work with industries such as healthcare, utilities, and government agencies. If you don’t pay a balance, the creditor may send the account to Harris and Harris Collections.

The presence of Harris and Harris collections doesn’t have to define your financial future, though. Understanding who they are, why they’ve contacted you, and how collections impact credit is the first step toward regaining control and protecting your financial health.

What Is Harris & Harris?

Harris & Harris is a legitimate third-party debt collection agency based in Chicago, Illinois. It's often referred to as Harris & Harris, Ltd. The company specializes in collecting on delinquent accounts for clients in the healthcare, utility, and government sectors. For example, healthcare providers, utility companies, or government agencies may contract them to collect unpaid medical bills, overdue utility fees, or fines such as court costs or toll violations. The firm has been in operation since 1968.

Does Harris & Harris Operate as an Authorized Debt Collector?

Harris & Harris is a third-party debt collection agency, recognized by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with an A+ rating. This accreditation means the company has agreed to meet certain standards, such as responding to consumer complaints in good faith, even though the rating itself does not reflect the number of complaints received.

As a professional debt collector, Harris & Harris must follow federal laws outlined in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). These laws protect consumers from abusive or unfair practices. For example, collectors cannot harass you with excessive phone calls, use threatening or offensive language, or pretend to be attorneys. If you believe they have violated your rights under the FDCPA, you can dispute the debt and report their behavior.

Why Is Harris and Harris on My Credit Report?

If you notice Harris & Harris listed on your credit report, it usually means another company assigned or sold them your debt, and they are now attempting to collect it. This could be from unpaid medical bills, utilities, or other accounts that went into delinquency. When the original creditor cannot recover payment, they may turn the account over to a collection agency like Harris & Harris.

Unfortunately, a collection entry can lower your credit score and remain on your report for up to seven years, even if the balance is eventually paid. That’s why it’s important to confirm whether the debt is valid and accurate. If it is an error, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureaus.

Steps to Remove Harris and Harris Collections from Your Credit Report

1. Get Your Credit Reports

▪ Request copies from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

▪ Review the collection entry and confirm all details are correct.

2. Ask for Debt Validation

▪ Send Harris & Harris Limited a written request for proof of the debt.

▪ Make sure they provide documentation showing it belongs to you.

3. If the Debt Is Not Yours or Incorrect

▪ File a dispute with Harris & Harris.

▪ Submit a dispute with the credit bureaus reporting the error.

▪ Include documents or evidence supporting your claim.

4. If the Debt Is Valid

▪ Send a Goodwill Letter: Explain your situation and ask if they’ll remove the account as a courtesy.

▪ Negotiate a Pay-for-Delete Agreement: Offer to settle the debt in exchange for removal from your credit report. Always get the deal in writing.

▪ If Removal Isn’t Possible: The account may remain for up to 7 years. They can still pursue collection or take legal action until you resolve the debt.

How Long Does Harris & Harris Stay on Your Credit Report?

A collection account from Harris & Harris can stay on your credit report for up to seven years from the date the original account first became delinquent. This timeline applies whether or not you eventually pay the debt.

Paying or settling the account won’t automatically erase the entry, but it may update the status to “paid” or “settled,” which looks better to future lenders than an unpaid balance.

Tips to Protect Your Credit Going Forward

1. Review Your Credit Reports Frequently

Keeping a close eye on your credit reports is one of the best defenses against mistakes or fraudulent activity. By checking your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion regularly, you’ll be able to spot inaccuracies quickly and see how past accounts are influencing your credit standing. Addressing issues early gives you more control over your financial reputation.

2. Work with Creditors Before Collections Start

When you notice trouble making payments, contact your creditor before they turn the account over to a collection agency like Harris & Harris Limited. Contact your creditor directly to explain the situation. Many lenders are open to negotiating repayment plans, adjusting interest, or offering hardship programs. Proactive communication can often prevent the account from becoming a collection entry on your credit history.

3. Focus on Rebuilding with Positive Credit Habits

A strong credit profile comes from consistent positive activity. Prioritize paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances well below their limits, and diversifying your credit mix responsibly. Using a secured card wisely or being added as an authorized user on a well-managed account gradually offsets the damage from old collections and helps restore your financial health.

What is CoolCredit and How Can It Support Your Financial Goals?

If you’re ready to take control of your credit and make meaningful progress, CoolCredit offers modern tools designed to simplify the process. Here’s what makes it different:

• Smart Credit Repair with AI: CoolCredit reviews your credit reports, spots potential mistakes, and equips you with pre-drafted dispute letters so you can take action right away. Its unique “Boost Programs” also let you add positive payment records, which can gradually improve your credit standing.
• 24/7 Credit Tracking and Instant Alerts: With continuous monitoring across all three bureaus—TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian—CoolCredit keeps you informed of any changes. You’ll receive real-time notifications so you can respond quickly to unusual or suspicious activity.
• Affordable Expert Guidance: Need more support? CoolCredit provides access to credit specialists who offer step-by-step advice. Their flexible, budget-friendly plans make it easier to handle disputes and strengthen your credit profile with confidence.
• Learn as You Improve: The platform doesn’t just fix credit—it teaches you how to maintain it. With short lessons, practical tips, and easy-to-follow guides, you’ll build better financial habits while working toward a higher score.
• The CoolCredit Mobile App: The CoolCredit mobile app puts all of its powerful tools right at your fingertips. From checking your credit score in real time to sending disputes with a few taps, the app makes managing your credit simple and stress-free.

Conclusion

Facing collections from Harris & Harris can feel stressful, but it’s not something you have to accept passively. By carefully reviewing your credit report, disputing any errors, and negotiating with creditors when possible, you can take meaningful steps to resolve or even remove these accounts. Proactive management helps protect your credit score and gives you greater control over your financial future. Start now, stay persistent, and know that progress is possible.

FAQs

Q: Who Is Harris & Harris and Why Do They Appear on My Credit Report?

A: Harris & Harris Ltd. is a Chicago-based debt collection agency that works with clients in industries such as healthcare, utilities, and government services. If their name shows up on your credit report, it generally means your original creditor assigned them to recover an unpaid balance.

Q: How Long Will a Harris & Harris Debt Collector Stay on My Credit Report?

A: Collection accounts handled by Harris & Harris can remain on your credit file for as long as seven years from the date the debt first went into default. Paying or settling the account doesn’t erase the entry immediately, but the status will usually change to “paid” or “settled,” which is viewed more favorably by future lenders.

Q: Is It Possible to Get Harris & Harris Collections Removed From My Credit Report?

A: Yes, removal is possible under certain circumstances. You can begin by asking Harris & Harris for debt validation to confirm accuracy. If errors exist, you have the right to dispute them with the credit bureaus. For valid debts, you may attempt a goodwill request or negotiate a pay-for-delete arrangement. Always keep written proof of any agreements or correspondence.

Q: Does Harris & Harris Limited Follow Federal Debt Collection Laws?

A: Absolutely. As a licensed collection agency, Harris & Harris must follow the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). This law prohibits collectors from harassing consumers, making false threats, or using other abusive tactics, and it ensures fair treatment during the collection process.