You’re staring at a letter or a missed call from Lamont Hanley and Associates. Maybe you checked your credit report and saw their name sitting there like an unwelcome guest. It’s a gut-punch feeling. Honestly, most people immediately panic and think they’re being scammed or that their financial life is over.
Take a breath.
Lamont Hanley and Associates (often abbreviated as LHA) is a legitimate debt collection agency. They’ve been around since 1991, operating out of Manchester, New Hampshire. They aren't some fly-by-night operation popping up in your inbox; they are a heavy hitter in the world of accounts receivable management. They handle both commercial and consumer debt, which basically means they collect for big corporations and local businesses alike.
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Why are they calling me?
If they’re reaching out, it’s because a creditor—think a hospital, a utility company, or a business you did work with—claims you owe them money. LHA doesn't just collect; they’re often hired to manage the "receivables" for other companies.
Sometimes they buy the debt. Other times, they’re just the "muscle" hired to send the letters and make the calls.
What's interesting about them is their pedigree. They were the first agency in the industry founded and operated by certified collectors. They hold a lot of fancy certifications like SOC 2 Type II and HITRUST. For you, that means they have to follow strict rules about how they handle your data. But it also means they are very good at what they do.
The 2023 Data Breach
You should know about a specific hiccup. In June 2023, Lamont Hanley and Associates dealt with a data breach. An employee's email was hit by a phishing attack. Roughly 11,484 people had their info exposed—names, Social Security numbers, and even some medical/health insurance info.
If you're just hearing from them now, it's worth checking if you were part of that group. While they've taken steps to tighten security, it's a reminder that even "secure" agencies have blind spots.
Your Rights vs. Their Tactics
Debt collectors have a reputation for being aggressive. You’ve probably heard stories of people being harassed at 10 PM or threatened with jail time.
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Here is the reality: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is your shield. Lamont Hanley and Associates has to play by these rules.
- They cannot call you before 8 AM or after 9 PM.
- They cannot lie about how much you owe.
- They cannot use "profane or obscene" language.
- They must stop calling your workplace if you tell them your employer doesn't allow it.
There have been lawsuits. For instance, a case in New York (Rivera v. Lamont, Hanley & Associates, Inc.) alleged they tried to tack on an unauthorized $376 collection fee to a man's debt. That's a big no-no. If your balance suddenly looks hundreds of dollars higher than you remember, don't just pay it. Question it.
The "Debt Validation" Move
Never, ever pay a debt collector the first time they call. Seriously.
You have 30 days from the first contact to demand a Debt Validation Letter. This is your legal right. You’re basically saying, "Prove I owe this."
LHA has to provide:
- The name of the original creditor.
- The exact amount owed.
- Proof that they have the right to collect it.
If they can't prove it? They have to stop. If there’s a mistake—maybe the debt was already paid or it belongs to someone with a similar name—this is how you catch it.
Dealing with Credit Report Damage
Seeing Lamont Hanley and Associates on your credit report is a drag. It can tank your score by dozens of points.
If the debt is valid, you can try a "Pay for Delete." This is a bit of a gray area. You offer to pay the debt in full (or a settled amount) on the condition that they remove the collection entry from your credit report.
Get it in writing.
If you just pay it without that agreement, the entry stays on your report for seven years, just marked as "Paid." A "Paid Collection" is better than an "Unpaid" one, but it still hurts your score.
Actionable Steps to Take Today
If you're currently in the crosshairs of LHA, don't ignore it. That's how you end up with a default judgment or garnished wages.
1. Keep a Paper Trail
Note every call. Write down the time, the person’s name, and what was said. If they get nasty, you’ll want those notes for a potential FDCPA complaint.
2. Send the Validation Letter
Do this via certified mail with a return receipt. It’s the only way to prove they received it. It puts the ball in their court and pauses their collection efforts.
3. Check for Errors
Compare their numbers with your own records. If they added "collection fees" or "interest" that wasn't in your original contract, you might have grounds to dispute the whole thing.
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4. Negotiate if Necessary
Debt collectors often buy debt for pennies on the dollar. They are usually willing to settle for 40% to 60% of the total amount if you can pay it in a lump sum.
5. Report Harassment
If they cross the line—calling 20 times a day or threatening you—file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your State Attorney General.
Handling a firm like Lamont Hanley and Associates requires a mix of skepticism and strategy. They are a professional outfit, so you have to be professional back, but you also have to be firm about your legal rights. Most "scary" debt situations are actually just math problems waiting for a negotiation.
Check your records. Send the letter. Don't let them rush you into a payment you aren't sure you owe.