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The Five Biggest Takeaways From Gary Harper's Iconic 'Three On Your Side' Career And What Happens Next

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The landscape of consumer advocacy in the Phoenix area has fundamentally changed as of late 2024/early 2025, following the retirement of one of its most recognizable and formidable figures: Gary Harper of the iconic "Three On Your Side" segment. After a nearly 40-year career in television news, with almost three decades spent as the relentless consumer watchdog for Arizona's Family (3TV/CBS 5), Harper has officially called it a career, leaving behind a massive legacy of justice served and millions of dollars recouped for viewers. His final days in the newsroom marked the end of an era defined by confrontational journalism, exposing scammers, and standing up for the everyday consumer against shady characters, fake contractors, and complex corporate fraud. This article dives into the biggest takeaways from his tenure, the most recent high-profile cases that defined his final years, and the future of the segment he built.

The "Three On Your Side" segment, a cornerstone of local Arizona news, has always been synonymous with Harper’s direct, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving. As of today, December 20, 2025, the focus remains on celebrating his impact while understanding how his unique brand of investigative reporting will continue to protect the community from the latest, most sophisticated scams.

Gary Harper: A Career Biography and Legacy Profile

Gary Harper’s career is a testament to the power of local investigative journalism and consumer advocacy. While specific personal details like his birth date and early life are kept private, his professional milestones paint the picture of a dedicated news veteran.

  • Full Name: Gary Harper
  • Primary Role: Consumer Reporter and Host of "Three On Your Side" ("On Your Side")
  • Primary Affiliation: Arizona's Family (3TV/CBS 5)
  • Total Career Length: Nearly 40 Years in Television News
  • Tenure at Arizona's Family: Nearly Three Decades
  • Area of Operation: Phoenix Metropolitan Area and Greater Arizona
  • Specialty: Consumer Protection, Exposing Scams, Identity Theft, Contractor Fraud, and Corporate Malfeasance
  • Key Achievement: Successfully recouped millions of dollars for viewers, earning a reputation as a fierce consumer advocate.
  • Retirement Date: Announced and executed in late 2024, with his final day being a Friday (e.g., November 21st).

Harper’s early years in television news laid the groundwork for his signature style. He developed a reputation for being willing to confront individuals accused of shady practices, often with a camera crew in tow, making for compelling and impactful television. This confrontational, yet ultimately helpful, style became the hallmark of the "Three On Your Side" brand and cemented his status as a local legend in the Phoenix-area community.

The Most Shocking and Recent Investigations That Defined His Final Years

Even as he prepared for retirement, Gary Harper and the "On Your Side" team were tackling some of the most complex and cutting-edge scams affecting Arizona residents. The nature of his investigations evolved over the years, moving from classic "bad contractor" stories to sophisticated identity theft and digital fraud. His work in 2024 and early 2025 demonstrates the ever-changing landscape of consumer threats.

1. The iPhone 16 Identity Theft Scam

One of the most notable and recent high-profile cases involved a Tempe woman who was the victim of a brazen identity theft scheme. A scammer stole her personal information and used it to purchase a brand-new iPhone 16. The victim was then billed by a major carrier, AT&T, despite the fact that she was not even their customer. This case highlighted the increasing complexity of identity fraud, where thieves leverage stolen data to open accounts and purchase high-value electronics. Harper's investigation was crucial in unraveling the fraud and helping the woman clear her name and the unwarranted debt.

2. The "Fake" Contractor Crackdowns

The issue of unlicensed and fraudulent contractors has been a persistent theme throughout Harper's career, and it continued right up until his retirement. In one recent investigation, Harper confronted a contractor who homeowners accused of leaving jobs unfinished and taking their money. The "Three On Your Side" segment followed up on this case, which led to the accused contractor being prosecuted, demonstrating the segment's powerful role in driving legal accountability. These confrontations served as a vital public service, warning countless residents about potential home improvement pitfalls.

3. Recouping Millions for Arizona Families

A central metric of Harper’s success was the sheer amount of money he helped viewers recover. Throughout 2024, the "Three On Your Side" team continued to help families recoup thousands of dollars every month from crooks and scammers. This consistent, tangible result is the core of his legacy. By negotiating resolutions and applying media pressure, Harper was able to achieve results that individuals often could not on their own, cementing his reputation as a true consumer advocate.

The Future of Consumer Advocacy: Who is Taking Over the 'On Your Side' Mantle?

With Gary Harper's retirement, the question of who will fill such a massive void is a major point of interest for Arizona viewers. The "On Your Side" segment itself is a powerful brand, and its mission to protect consumers continues at Arizona’s Family (3TV/CBS 5).

The Role of Susan Campbell

The "On Your Side" team is not starting from scratch. Susan Campbell has been a key figure in the segment, serving as the morning "face" of the consumer reporting team. She has frequently co-hosted the "On Your Side" podcast with Harper, covering important topics like Lemon Laws and financial planning, including recent discussions on Gen Z's saving habits.

Campbell’s established presence and experience suggest she is well-positioned to lead the segment into its next chapter. Her involvement ensures a smooth transition and the continuation of the segment's commitment to holding bad actors accountable. The segment’s continuation, whether through Campbell or a new hire, will maintain the vital service of investigating consumer complaints, tackling identity theft, and providing financial advice to the Arizona community.

The Enduring Power of the Segment

Gary Harper’s legacy is not just about the confrontations; it’s about establishing a system that works. The "Three On Your Side" segment is a powerful entity that operates as a direct line of defense for consumers. Even in his absence, the infrastructure he helped build—the tip lines, the research, and the commitment to justice—will endure. His career has fundamentally taught the Phoenix community that they have a voice and an advocate when they are wronged by businesses or individuals.

The segment will continue to focus on emerging threats, such as sophisticated online fraud, data breaches, and financial scams that target vulnerable populations. The foundation laid by Harper ensures that the mission of helping people recover their money and exposing crooks remains the top priority for Arizona's Family news team.

Harper’s Lasting Impact on Investigative Journalism

Gary Harper's nearly four decades in the news business left an indelible mark on local investigative journalism. His work transcended simple reporting; it was a form of public service that resulted in tangible, life-changing outcomes for hundreds of people. He was a master of the "gotcha" moment, but always with the clear goal of restitution and accountability.

His successful track record of recouping millions of dollars for viewers is a rare feat in local news, making him one of the most effective consumer advocates in the country. As he steps into retirement, his career serves as an inspiring blueprint for how local news can be a powerful force for good, championing the rights of the individual against larger, more powerful entities in the marketplace. The Phoenix community will long remember the man who was always ready to be "Three On Your Side."

The Five Biggest Takeaways from Gary Harper's Iconic 'Three On Your Side' Career and What Happens Next
gary harper three on your side
gary harper three on your side

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