Often, there are times when you may need a loan to pay for goods and services. If you have failed to pay the debt in the time specified by the loan company, you may find the loan company will send a debt collector like Harris and Harris Ltd. to force you to pay the debt. Fortunately for you, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law put in place that protects you from certain actions and behavior by debt collectors like Harris and Harris Ltd.
The 2010 amendment to the law limits the way debt collectors can make contact with debtors like you. The restrictions are placed on the time of day a debt collector may contact you as well as the number of times contact can take place. If Harris and Harris Ltd. violates the FDCPA, you may file a lawsuit against the debt collector for damages and lawyers’ fees. This has to be done within 12 months of when the breach of law took place.
How to Report a FDCPA Violation by Harris and Harris Ltd
If you feel Harris and Harris Ltd has sent a debt collector that has violated your rights and the FDCPA, for example by contacting you by phone even though you have sent a cease and desist letter, you have the legal right to take actions against the behavior of that debt collector.
One action you can take is complaining to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This is a government agency given the responsibility of enforcing laws to protect consumers’ rights in the financial industry. As soon as your complaint has been received the CFPB can investigate it along with other complaints against Harris and Harris Ltd. They then have the right to penalize them for ignoring the law.
Apart from complaining to the CFPB you can take the matter up with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) typically if you have been bothered by too many calls from a Harris and Harris Ltd. debt collector despite being on the Do Not Call registry.
Some states have better consumer protection than the federal FDCPA where you can file a complaint about the action taken by the debt collector to your state Attorney General who can then take legal action.
How the Better Business Bureau Can Help in Negotiations Over Disputes
Sometimes, mediation is the easiest way out if you are having difficulties with Harris and Harris Ltd. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is well practiced at mediating between debt collectors who have violated the FDCPA and the victim. They also report consumer complaints made against businesses and can put out a warning to consumers about unscrupulous debt collectors like Harris and Harris Ltd.
![Where to Report an FDCPA Violation by Harris & Harris Ltd*]()
Filing a Lawsuit Against Harris and Harris
According to the FDCPA you have the right to sue a debt collector for damages worth $1,000 against a collector who has violated your rights. You need to gather as much evidence as possible when filing a complaint. This includes dates and phone call times, who the debt collection company is, and clear details about the violation. If you win the lawsuit you still can’t ignore paying the debt you owe.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a Claim for a FDCPA Violation
It may sound straightforward suing a debt collector for breaking the FDCPA, but there is typically a better outcome if a lawyer handles the case on your behalf.
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.