Consumer complaint received 2026-01-23 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Telecommunications debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: Harris & Harris, Ltd.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
Consumer : XXXX XXXX ( XXXX name : XXXX ) Creditor : XXXX XXXX Debt Collector : Harris and Harris Account : XXXX Amount : {$120.00} Issue : Unlawful credit reporting without providing billing documentation COMPLAINT : When I initially disputed this charge with XXXX XXXX on or around XX/XX/XXXX, I could not immediately recall what this {$120.00} charge was for due to the time that had passed and lack of documentation. I was under the impression it may have been for unreturned equipment, which I did return with receipt. However, after conducting my own investigation and reaching out to XXXX directly, I now understand the facts and would like to submit this updated complaint with complete information. 
XXXX XXXX reported this debt to credit bureaus after systematically denying me the ability to review charges and make payment, violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2, 1681i ), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1692g ), Florida Statutes 559.72, and Florida 's FDUTPA ( Fla. Stat. 501.204 ). 
TIMELINE : XX/XX/XXXX : Closed account by phone. Was told I had a balance but XXXX immediately suspended my online account access, preventing me from viewing charges or paying online. Called multiple times requesting billing statement be mailed to updated address ( XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, FL XXXX- moved in XX/XX/XXXX ). XXXX refused and never updated my address. 
XX/XX/XXXX : Received email about balance. Screenshots show I responded to XXXX 's emails on XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX, stating I could not access my online account to review charges or pay as I had previously. XXXX never respondeddenying me the ability to exercise my consumer rights to review statements and make payment. 
XX/XX/XXXX : XXXX sent to collections via Harris and Harris without any mailed statement or debt validation from XXXX. Upon discovering this, I immediately : Disputed through XXXX XXXX ( XX/XX/XXXX - results pending ) Disputed directly with Harris and Harris ( XX/XX/XXXX - no response received to date ) Emailed XXXX relations requesting resolution Only after filing these disputes did XXXX finally provide billing documentation. 
VIOLATIONS : FDCPA 1692g : XXXX and Harris and Harris failed to provide debt validation before reporting to credit bureaus, as required when a consumer disputes a debt. 
FCRA 1681s-2 ( a ) & 1681i : XXXX reported debt without providing reasonable opportunity to verify charges. Under 1681i, I timely disputed this debt with both the credit bureaus and the debt collector, and XXXX failed to conduct a reasonable investigation before continuing credit reporting. 
Florida 559.72 ( Consumer Collection Practices ) : Florida law prohibits unconscionable collection methods, which includes demanding payment while refusing to provide billing documentation necessary for the consumer to verify charges. 
XXXX XXXX : XXXX  's conduct is unfair/deceptive by : Suspending online access while demanding payment Refusing to mail statements despite multiple requests and address update Ignoring email correspondence constituting a formal dispute Reporting to credit bureaus without proper notice or validation Estoppel : XXXX  is estopped from claiming non-payment when they actively prevented payment by denying documentation access and refusing to respond to dispute communications. 
Systematic Policy Violation : XXXX admits in writing : " Once an account is closed the online account is closed as well. '' This systemic practice violates consumer rights when combined with refusal to provide alternative documentation methods. 

DEMONSTRABLE HARM : This negative mark has damaged my creditworthiness and will impact future lending decisions. The harm resulted entirely from XXXX 's procedural failures, not legitimate delinquency. 
KEY FACTS : I made repeated good-faith attempts to pay but was denied access to review charges XXXX ignored XXXX XXXX email disputes ( XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX ) and failed to mail statements to my updated address XXXX  provided no debt validation despite my timely dispute XXXX  only provided documentation after the debt was reported to collections and I filed multiple disputes I disputed this debt within 30 days of discovering the collections account through XXXX XXXX I disputed directly with Harris and Harris but have received no response I attempted to mitigate damages through multiple resolution XXXX 's failure to cooperate caused the damage I relied on online account access as my payment method throughout active service. Terminating this access while demanding payment for the final balance eliminates my established means of reviewing charges and paying in writing. XXXX 's suggestion to " call in '' does not satisfy my right to review itemized charges in writing before paymentphone payment requires blind payment without documentation. 
Failure to Use Available Communication Methods : XXXX claims they attempted phone contact, but I do not answer unknown numbers due to spam callsa reasonable practice in XXXX. Despite having multiple alternative methods to reach me, XXXX failed to : Respond to my XXXX emails ( XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX ) disputing the lack of access Email the billing statement ( they had my active email address ) Update my address as requested and mail the statement to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX temporary online access to review charges Send written notice by mail that the account would be reported to collections XXXX can not claim proper notification when they ignored my documented email disputes, refused to update my mailing address, and failed to use any written communication method before credit reporting. 


SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION : Email screenshots from XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX showing my responses to XXXX stating inability to access online account Email showing XXXX 's written confirmation of account suspension policy Email showing recent billing statement provided only after complaint filed and email XXXX  Proof of address change/move to XXXX XXXX XXXX ( deed showing I was added to ownership of property late XXXX and XXXX  XXXX  with my updated billing address as of XX/XX/XXXX ) XXXX XXXX dispute details ( XX/XX/XXXX - results unknown )

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation