This Business is not BBB accredited
Universal Fidelity LP
Phone: (281) 647-4152
1445 Langham Creek Drive, Houston, TX77084
[email protected]
http://www.uflp.com
D+ on a scale from A+ to F
Factors that lowered the rating for Universal Fidelity LP include:
1235 complaints filed against business
1 complaint filed against business that was not resolved
Business has failed to resolve underlying cause(s) of a pattern of complaints
Factors that raised the rating for Universal Fidelity LP include:
Length of time business has been operating.
Response to 1235 complaint(s) filed against business.
BBB has sufficient background information on this business.
Additional Complaint Information
On Feb 2, 2012, The BBB of Houston and South Texas spoke with Scott Hearn of Universal Fidelity and they have provided the following information:
There are roughly 3,000,000 accounts/consumers involving all 50 states that potentially could be contacted via a letter. There are several collection agencies that have been contracted as 3rd party collectors. These collectors did not buy the debt but rather are contracted by the Trustee of the Agreed Order.
The Third Party Collectors should not be reporting any consumer to the credit reporting agencies for late fees associated with Hollywood Video. The Order states that the Collector’s can only collect on late fees. They are not allowed to collect for unreturned videos or add any additional collection fees.
If the account had both late fees and unreturned product fees for the same account, then the collection would be for the lesser of the two charges for the rental item.
On Jan 24, 2012 notified Universal Fidelity that The BBB of Houston and South Texas was receiving a pattern of complaint activity regarding unpaid fees. BBB complainants allege that the letter they are receiving from Universal Fidelity states they are “the Legal Successor to Hollywood Video” and consumers are to pay the fees owed with no description of the charges. The letter also alleges that “Unless you notify this office within 30 days after receiving your initial notice that you dispute the validity of the debt or any portion thereof, this office will assume this debt is valid.” All complainants mentioned they did not owe any money to Universal Fidelity or Hollywood Video.
UPDATE: Consumers have recently alleged in complaints that they are told that non payment would affect thier credit rating. Universal Fidelity, in responses to complaints indicate that they do not report non payment of this debt to any credit reporting agency, as according to the Agreed Order,
"The Third Party Collectors should not be reporting any consumer to the credit reporting agencies for late fees associated with Hollywood Video"
Additional Information
BBB file opened: June 01, 1994
Business started: 02/04/1991 in TX
Business incorporated: 01/01/2004 in TX
Licensing
This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
These agencies may include:
Texas Secretary of State
1019 Brazos Street, PO Box 13697, Austin TX 78711-3697
http://www.sos.state.tx.us
Fax Number: 512-463-5709
Type of Entity
Limited Partnership (LP)
Business Management
Mr. Nancy Rodriquez, Legal Assistant Mr. Tom H Tseng, General Counsel
Contact Information
Principal: Mr. Scott Hearn, Executive VP of Operations
Business Category
COLLECTION AGENCIES
http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/c ... ouston-tx-55199