◖ DawnLedger
Answer

Is Frederick J. Hanna & Associates legit -- and what do I do if they're suing me?

Yes -- Frederick J. Hanna & Associates, P.C. is a legitimate law firm, not a scam. It is a Georgia-based creditors'-rights firm that recovers outstanding accounts, largely by filing collection lawsuits on behalf of creditors and debt buyers. Two things make a debt-collection law firm different from an ordinary agency, and both work in your favor if you act. First, a law firm collects by SUING, so the number-one risk is a summons -- and the number-one mistake is ignoring it. If you're served, never ignore it: file a written answer with the court by the deadline, because otherwise the firm can take a default judgment that can lead to wage garnishment or a bank levy. Filing an answer forces the case to be proven. Second, a law firm that regularly collects debts is still a "debt collector" under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act -- attorneys are NOT exempt -- so you keep the right to demand written validation, and where the account was bought by a debt buyer, make whoever is suing prove it actually owns your account (the chain of title from the original creditor). High-volume collection law firms have drawn regulatory scrutiny in the past over how carefully they verify accounts before suing, which is exactly why you should make them prove the debt rather than assume the paperwork is right. Don't admit the debt on a call, check the statute of limitations because a time-barred suit can be challenged, and get any agreement in writing. This is unsecured consumer debt (civil, no jail), so a validated, genuinely-owed balance can often be settled -- do it in writing, and a forgiven balance over $600 can trigger a 1099-C. Court rules and timelines vary by state.

RC
By Renee Calderon — Consumer debt & rights writer

A letter -- or a summons -- from "Frederick J. Hanna & Associates" is frightening because it comes from a law firm. The short version: it's a real creditors'-rights law firm, not a scam. The version that helps you is that a lawsuit is only as strong as the proof behind it, and you have rights that force that proof -- if you respond in time.

Short answer

Yes, Frederick J. Hanna & Associates, P.C. is legit -- a real law firm that collects debts by suing, for creditors and debt buyers. If you're served, never ignore it -- file a written answer by the deadline. Demand written validation, make them prove the debt is yours, and check the statute of limitations.

Who they are

Frederick J. Hanna & Associates, P.C. is a creditors'-rights law firm that focuses on recovering outstanding accounts, largely through collection lawsuits filed for creditors and debt buyers. Because it regularly collects debts, it is a debt collector under the FDCPA -- and written validation forces it to prove the debt and who owns it.

Is it a scam?

No -- it's a real, licensed law firm. But impostors impersonate law firms: a real firm that has sued you files with an actual court and serves you properly. Be wary of anyone who only calls, threatens instant arrest, and demands gift cards or wire transfers. High-volume collection firms have also faced regulatory scrutiny in the past over verifying accounts before suing -- another reason to make them prove the debt.

If you're being sued

How to deal with them

If the debt is really yours

This is unsecured consumer debt, so a validated, genuinely-owed balance can often be settled -- sometimes even after a suit is filed, before judgment. Offer a realistic lump sum or plan, insist on proof of ownership first, and get any agreement in writing before you pay; a forgiven balance over $600 can trigger a 1099-C. Court rules and timelines vary by state.

This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your rights and timelines vary by state; consider consulting a qualified attorney, legal aid, or your state attorney general's office.

Keep reading