Speaking again of unconventional superheros, Hof's Blog's own semi-resident-superhero, the Googleteer, has been looking into J.K. Harris. Here are a couple of the Googleteer's searches
J.K.-Harris (and) "did nothing"
= 49 hits (3/20/07)
JK-Harris (and) scam
= 290 hits (3/20/07)
There are a lot of complaints about J.K. Harris at the ripoffreport.com and consumeraffairs.com.
Indianapolis television investigative reporter Rafael Sanchez from WTHR-TV posted this video clip concerning a J.K. Harris complaint.
In 2005, Jay Nixon, Missouri's attorney general, settled a deceptive practices complaint with JK Harris providing reimbursement for nine consumers over $18,000 as well as $25,000 in investigative costs. The press release says that JK Harris promised to settle tax debts for "pennies on the dollar". According to the press release accompanying the settlement:
In a consent judgment filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, J.K. Harris Holding of North Charleston, S.C., will cease deceptive sales practices and will refund the fees paid for services to negotiate lower tax liabilities. Individuals paid from $390 to $2,700 for services that either were not delivered or were not delivered as promised.
"This company told Missouri consumers that it could reduce their tax debt to practically nothing, but for several consumers, that was not the case," Nixon said. "Companies need to know that deceptive sales pitches are against the law in Missouri, and we will zealously protect the rights of the consumer in these matters."
In a lawsuit filed in January, Nixon alleged that J.K. Harris conducted business in Missouri without being registered with the Secretary of State, and made misleading claims that the company could settle tax debt for "pennies on the dollar." The company also made claims that tax professionals and former IRS agents were available to consult with clients. In reality, consumers only talked to sales representatives.
In addition to the monetary restitution and payment to the state, J.K. Harris must provide a full listing of all complaints it has received from consumers located in Missouri. Under the consent judgment, for the next 90 days J.K. Harris will remain liable for any new verifiable complaints it might receive related to allegations in the lawsuit.
Jay Nixon is one of the best, if not the best state attorney general when it comes to staying on top of predatory businesses. It seems like whenever I investigate a suspected serial bad actor, Mr. Nixon has gotten there first and already has an enforcement action pending.
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