SAN DIEGO—A nationwide jewelry retailer announced July 20 that it would agree to pay $34.2 million to resolve allegations of using deceptive sales tactics on active duty servicemembers, including those stationed in San Diego.
Harris Jewelers reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and the attorneys general of more than a dozen states. It requires the company to write off $21.3 million in consumer debt and provide millions in consumer refunds.
The debt includes more than $800,000 owed by Californians, according to a statement from the California Attorney General’s (AG) Office.
Officials in California said Harris operated stores on or near military bases, including Naval Base San Diego, where service members were told that purchasing products on credit would improve their credit scores, regardless of the customer’s credit history….