Dealing with debt collection is never easy, especially when it involves your student loans. For many borrowers, the first contact from a debt collection agency like FH Cann & Associates can feel intimidating. You might be wondering if the debt is legitimate, how to stop the calls, and whether you have any options to protect yourself.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about FH Cann collection agency, including their relationship with the U.S. Department of Education, how they collect student loan debts, and what your rights are under federal law. Whether you’re struggling with repayment, facing harassment, or just trying to understand the process, this article gives you the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
Who Is FH Cann & Associates?
FH Cann collection agency is a third-party collection agency headquartered in North Andover, Massachusetts. Established in 1999, the company provides debt collection and customer service solutions for various sectors, including education, government, financial institutions, and healthcare.
Their work with the Department of Education primarily involves collecting overdue federal student loans. When a borrower fails to make payments for 270 days or more, the loan goes into default, and the Department of Education may transfer the account to an external agency like FH Cann collection agency for recovery.
The company has developed a reputation as one of several private collection agencies handling student loan defaults for federal borrowers. While FH Cann collection agency claims to follow fair and compliant practices, many borrowers have reported frustration over the frequency of calls, confusing letters, and difficulty getting clear information.
The company’s main office is located at 1600 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA 01845, and the FH Cann phone number most commonly used for contact is 978-984-5295.
What Does FH Cann & Associates Do?
The role of FH Cann collection agency is to collect unpaid debts on behalf of its clients. When it comes to federal student loans, their duties typically include:
- 👉 Contacting borrowers about delinquent or defaulted loans
- 👉 Setting up repayment or rehabilitation plans
- 👉 Coordinating with the Department of Education to recover balances
- 👉 Providing customer service for federal loan programs
In many cases, borrowers are assigned to FH Cann collection agency after defaulting on federal loans. This means that while the company doesn’t own your debt, it has been authorized to collect payments and help you restore your loan to good standing.
However, debt collection agencies must follow strict guidelines under federal law. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits them from using harassment, threats, or misleading tactics to recover money. Despite these protections, some borrowers have claimed that they experienced persistent or aggressive collection efforts.
FH Cann & Associates and the Department of Education
FH Cann collection agency is one of several agencies that contract directly with the U.S. Department of Education to manage and collect federal student loan debt. Their work includes reaching out to borrowers who have defaulted on loans, helping them understand their repayment options, and guiding them toward programs that can resolve their debt status.
Here’s how this relationship works:
- ✅ Assignment of Defaulted Loans
When you default on a federal student loan, the Department of Education assigns your account to a private collection agency like FH Cann collection agency. - ✅ Borrower Communication
The agency begins contacting you via phone, mail, or email to discuss repayment options or collect the full amount due - ✅ Loan Rehabilitation or Consolidation
Borrowers can choose to rehabilitate their loan by making a series of consecutive payments or consolidate their loan to remove the default status. - ✅ Wage Garnishment and Treasury Offsets
If you ignore the debt, the government can garnish wages or withhold tax refunds and Social Security benefits through FH Cann & Associates’ coordination.
It’s important to understand that you have rights throughout this process. The agency must provide written notice of your debt and cannot engage in abusive or deceptive behavior.
Common Complaints About FH Cann & Associates
While FH Cann & Associates claims to maintain compliance with all laws, numerous consumers have filed complaints regarding their interactions with the agency. Some of the most common issues reported include:
- ➡️ Harassing Phone Calls
Borrowers have reported receiving multiple calls per day, even after requesting that the company stop contacting them. - ➡️ Failure to Validate Debt
In some cases, borrowers have claimed that the agency refused to provide proof that the debt was legitimate or that FH Cann collection agency had the right to collect it. - ➡️ Aggressive or Threatening Language
Some individuals allege that the collectors used intimidating or condescending tones to pressure them into making payments. - ➡️ Incorrect Reporting to Credit Bureaus
Complaints have also arisen about debts being reported inaccurately, harming borrowers’ credit scores. - ➡️ Unauthorized Debits
A few borrowers have reported instances of unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts after sharing payment details.
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), FH Cann collection agency has received dozens of complaints in the past few years, mostly related to billing and debt collection practices. While the company maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, this rating does not necessarily reflect customer satisfaction—it primarily relates to how the company responds to complaints.
How to Verify a Call from FH Cann & Associates
Scams are common in the debt collection industry, and many fraudsters pose as legitimate agencies to steal personal information. Before you respond to any call or letter from FH Cann & Associates, take the following steps to verify its authenticity:
- ➤ Ask for Identification
Request the collector’s name, ID number, and callback number. - ➤ Check the FH Cann phone number
Compare the number provided with the one listed on the company’s official website or government records. - ➤ Request a Written Validation Notice
By law, the company must send you written verification of the debt within five days of initial contact. - ➤ Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information
Do not provide your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information until you confirm legitimacy. - ➤ Contact the Department of Education
If the debt is a federal student loan, contact the Department of Education directly to confirm that FH Cann is the assigned collector.
Verifying contact helps protect you from potential scams or unauthorized collections.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) provides strong legal protections for borrowers dealing with agencies like FH Cann & Associates. It defines what collectors can and cannot do. Here are key takeaways:
Collectors Cannot:
- ✔️ Call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- ✔️ Contact you at work if your employer prohibits it
- ✔️ Use threats, profanity, or intimidation
- ✔️ Contact third parties about your debt
- ✔️ Continue to call after you request in writing that they stop
- ✔️ Misrepresent the amount you owe or threaten actions they cannot legally take
Collectors Must:
- ➥ Identify themselves and the purpose of their call
- ➥ Send a written validation notice within five days
- ➥ Cease communication if you dispute the debt until it’s verified
Suppose FH Cann collection agency violates these rules. In that case, you have the right to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or your state’s attorney general’s office.
The Impact of FH Cann & Associates on Student Borrowers
When your federal student loan enters default, it can cause significant consequences beyond just phone calls. Here’s how it can affect your financial life:
- 👉 Wage Garnishment
The Department of Education can automatically garnish up to 15% of your disposable income without taking you to court. - 👉 Tax Refund Offsets
The government can seize your tax refund to repay defaulted student loans. - 👉 Credit Score Damage
Defaults reported by FH Cann & Associates can stay on your credit report for seven years. - 👉 Loss of Federal Benefits
You may lose access to additional federal aid, deferment, or forbearance options. - 👉 Increased Stress and Anxiety
Repeated collection calls can lead to emotional distress and confusion, especially when borrowers are unsure about their repayment options.
Understanding your rights and the available recovery programs can help you regain control and avoid long-term financial harm.
How to Resolve Student Loan Debt with FH Cann & Associates
If your account has been placed with FH Cann collection agency, you still have several ways to resolve your debt. The two main programs available for federal student loans are rehabilitation and consolidation.
➡️ 1. Loan Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation allows you to remove the default status from your credit report after making nine voluntary, affordable monthly payments within ten months. Once complete, your loan returns to good standing.
➡️ 2. Loan Consolidation
Through consolidation, you can combine your existing defaulted loan into a new Direct Consolidation Loan. This restores eligibility for federal benefits, including income-driven repayment plans.
➡️ 3. Settlement
In certain cases, you may be able to negotiate a reduced payoff amount. However, this option typically applies only if you can make a lump-sum payment.
Always ensure that any agreement with FH Cann & Associates is confirmed in writing before sending payments.
How to Stop Harassing Calls from FH Cann Collection Agency
If you’re receiving unwanted or excessive calls, take these steps:
- 📢 Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
Write to FH Cann collection agency requesting that they stop contacting you. They are legally required to comply. - 📢 Keep a Record
Document all communication, including dates, times, and what was said. - 📢 Consult a Consumer Protection Attorney
If harassment continues, an attorney can help you pursue damages and hold the company accountable. - 📢 File Complaints
Submit reports to the CFPB, FTC, or your state attorney general. - 📢 Check Your Credit Report
Verify that the information reported is accurate. You can dispute any errors directly with credit bureaus.
FH Cann Collection Agency Contact Information
If you need to verify your debt or communicate in writing, use the following contact details:
📌 Address:
1600 Osgood Street
North Andover, MA 01845
📞 Phone Number: 978-984-5295
🌐 Website: https://www.fhcann.com
Always send correspondence via certified mail and keep copies for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is FH Cann & Associates legitimate❓
Yes. It’s a legitimate collection agency that works with the Department of Education and other creditors.
2. Why is FH Cann calling me❓
They’re likely contacting you about a defaulted student loan or another delinquent account assigned for collection.
3. Can FH Cann garnish my wages❓
For federal loans, yes—through administrative wage garnishment. For private debts, they must first obtain a court order.
4. How do I stop their calls❓
Send a written cease-and-desist request. If they continue to call, file a complaint under the FDCPA.
5. What if the debt isn’t mine❓
Dispute it immediately in writing and demand validation. The agency must provide proof or stop collection.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with student loan debt collection is difficult, but understanding your rights can make a major difference. FH Cann & Associates works with the Department of Education to recover defaulted student loans, but that doesn’t mean they can treat borrowers unfairly.
You have the power to verify your debt, request written communication, and stop harassment through legal protections like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. By staying informed, keeping records, and exploring repayment options like rehabilitation or consolidation, you can resolve your student loan debt and move forward with confidence.
If you’re facing persistent calls or feel your rights are being violated, don’t ignore the problem—take control today. Knowing how FH Cann collection agency operates and what the law allows them to do is your best defense against unnecessary stress and financial hardship.
