Trying to climb out of personal debt is hard enough. Receiving phone calls from debt collection agencies such as Harris & Harris Ltd. makes the stress of dealing with third party debt collectors almost unbearable.
You do not know what to say or how to handle your emotions when speaking with a representative from Harris & Harris Ltd.
It is crucial to remember that you do not have to give personal financial information to any debt collection agency.
Enacted in 1977, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) narrowed the legal gap between the rights of consumers and the rights of third party debt collectors.
Although the FDCPA does not specifically give you a blueprint on how to deal with third party debt collector phone calls, the federal law contains several provisions that you can use to create a phone script for Harris & Harris.
A licensed consumer protection lawyer will help you understand the FDCPA, as well as state statutes that regulate debt collection agencies.
Know What Information to Give
Third party debt collectors like Harris & Harris Ltd. bank on consumers not knowing the law when it comes to debt collection practices.
By speaking with a FDCPA lawyer, you learn how to deal with representatives from Harris & Harris Ltd. Your lawyer will coach you on what to say and educate you about your rights under the FDCPA.
An experienced lawyer will explain what information you should and should not give any debt collection agency.
If Harris & Harris Ltd. crosses the legal line by using abusive language or threatening you over the phone, your lawyer will pursue damages to compensate you for physical and emotional distress.
![Phone Script for When Harris & Harris Ltd. Calls*]()
What to Say When Speaking with a Debt Collection Agency
When a representative from Harris & Harris Ltd. calls, he or she might not identify the debt collection agency. You have the right to determine the name of the third party debt collector that contacts you by phone.
You should record the phone conversation to collect evidence if you are harassed or a debt collection agency implements deceptive debt collection practices.
The FDCPA allows consumers to request information about the debt, such as the name of the original creditor and the balance remaining on a credit account or personal loan.
You can provide personal information, but the key is to limit what you say to protect your legal rights under the FDCPA.
Do not offer financial information that includes your pay schedule, bank accounts, and other delinquent credit accounts and/or personal loans.
In fact, you do not have to answer any of the questions asked by Harris & Harris Ltd. The FDCPA includes a provision that allows consumers to send cease and desist letters to debt collection agencies.
Your consumer protection lawyer will help you draft a legally binding cease and desist letter sent through certified mail.
Do not agree to anything over the phone except if Harris & Harris offers a payment plan you can easily afford.
Remember that debt collection agency representatives receive thorough training to collect outstanding consumer debts. Speak with a FDCPA lawyer today to learn how to handle phone calls made by Harris & Harris Ltd.
Additional Resources
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be constructed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Harris & Harris Ltd. or any other third-party collection agency, you may not be entitled to any compensation.