Universal Fidelity (BBB accredited) violating consumer rights

Collections agencies are professionals that have a job to do just like everyone else. This company requires extensive training on all laws and regulations and has over 400 people working for them. They help keep prices down in the stores and interest rates lower in the banks by collecting money from people who signed contracts saying they would pay these companies back but neglected to. This is one of the toughest jobs a person can have, they do their best to help people out of their current situation and to negoiate terms they can live with. They attempt to treat everyone as they would like to be treated.

Someonewhoknows is right on! If only I could post the recordings from this company and others. It is all true. They might train on the laws, but they don't care if the collectors engage in illegal behavior for $$$$$. If anyone threatens arrest, calls you names, or violates any other law, record the call if legal.

I would never recommend it, but even if it is not legal, they probably won't have the courage to address a recording because it shows they violated the law as well.

I recently became a "UF client". My initial call came on my job and I advised them to call me at home, with which I had to provide the correct area code for them to comply. My first conversation was cordial. But, the second conversation came today. I offered (last week) the information that I was still working on my taxes, hoping that would give me some funds to apply to my debt. After 3 years of seeing doctors (six in 2006), I had to come up with ways to bring more money home to keep up with my mortgage, utilities, and other bills owed (including credit cards). I had a glitch happen with my debt mgmt account last summer, and that created a whole new set of problems. Marty Hornsby was polite enough to hear me out on the first call, however turned to "freddy kruger" on the second call. He asked me about my income, cost of my utilities and Mortgage, etc. He actually implied that there is no way that I could not be bringing home enough money to pay off my balance. He said I should go to my friends and family and ask them to help me. He suggested I contact a refinancing agent for my home and gave a number to call. Because I want to pay off my debts, and clear all my account balances, I would use any reasonable avenue to do this. Because I am a little too honest, I shared some info with him, however, he does not have my bank info. He flat out turned down my proposal to pay a specific amount each month because, in his words, "that is unacceptable". I will be looking into this more and I will find all that I can to do my part to help others not go through this. I am now on the radar for him. After he felt I was willing to refinance my home, he suddenly became a human again. Keep your eyes and ears open. Don't consent to anything unless they accept your terms. I will be sending a "cease and desist" letter which include a specified amount that I can pay, with request that they bill me each month.

After setting up payment arrangements with Universal Fidelity, they are still contacting me. I told them not to contact me at work. They still call even after a payment arrangement. Now they want the entire debt paid in full. When you question them about something that's not in writing v.s. what was said over the phone, they will not transfer you to a supervisor. They will call you a name and that you are refusing to pay the debt. It is obvious according to some research I have done that they have violated the deb collection laws numerous times. So I am getting an attorney who spcializes in debt collector harassment and abuse. Go to myfairdebt.com. Do not let these insecure bullies threaten you in any way. Get an attorney to tell them what they are doing wrong!

I too am learning they are rude-I was told that if I didnt pay that I was going to court and that my bill would be thousands more because I have to pay court fees, and that my wages would be garnished..of course I offered to pay but I cannot afford what they want me to pay, so I called them and made an offer of what I could afford each month until my sears debt was paid-they informed me that my account has a "Red Flag" which means that sears wants this paid---not sure how to handle this one!!!!

Know your rights and don't put up with their illegal conduct. They just sent me a nice fat check for calling them on the same things. There is enough info here to conclude UF knows better but does not care.

they are a terrible company, check there web site, you can not even email them. they make promises they will not keep. do not use them.

I am with Texaslawyer on this one. They know better, but just don't care--like most collectors, they just want their bonus checks, and don't care if they have to break the law to get it.

Hi, my name is Mike. I got a call from UFC, I haven't called them back yet, considering A. I don't have a phone and B. They're in TEXAS and its not toll free.

I'm not sure what debt they're calling about. But, that's ok, because they already violated the fdcpa right off the bat. They call my MOTHER, a 3rd party, every day. They specifically harrass her, every day, in an attempt to reach me. And here's the twist...

I'm a debt collector myself, so I know what he can/can't do, and am already gathering evidence to own these guys.

Multiple FDCPA violations.


Yelling at my mom. Calling her over and over. You can only call a person twice a week, this is already at EVERY SINGLE DAY 3 times a day.

Threatening my mom. Mentioning the company the debt is for.

I don't even care about what the debt is for or where it came from, they're going to pay it, and maybe even pay off my college loans too because if I find out if it was for those or any balance, they're going to pay it for multiple fdcpa violations.

Btw also, when a collector tries to get you to pay with check by phone and states you can't mail it in, it's Bull.

They just want to push the check by phones because thats how the company makes money in the convience fees incurred. I know as a collector, I tell people to mail it in as an immediate second option (besides check/cc).


Don't let these guys BS you because they want that bonus for going over the threshhold.

Take this information
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Link removed per forum rules. Cajunbulldog

I have been dealing with these jerks for 6 months. They are rude, unprofessional, and they will not explain anything to you and expect you to turn over an entire paycheck to them and they will not try to work with you. The first jerk I spoke with told me that he would be searching with attorneys to find other phone numbers to harrass me with. I hung up on him and I called the company I was in debt with and worked it out with them.

UF has been calling my friend who lives with us. She knows she owes money, how much and has made arrangements to pay. She spoke to them yesterday and they called back twice today-8:30AM and 3:00PM. She tried to explain that this is not her # or phone and please contact her by mail. They say they are not allowed to contact by mail and even though this is MY phone, they say they are allowed by law to contact her here because they know she lives here. Is this true and what times can they call? I read that they can only call twice a week but sometimes they call 3-4 times a day and don't leave a message. Any suggestions? Thanks.

They are rude. They are trying to collect debts and grasping at straws trying to find people and hoping they will hit the jackpot. They called asking for a phone number of someone who they said put us down as a reference that we don't even know. I told them to stop calling. He repeatedly kept asking me for the phone number. I should have given him Taco Bell's number to call (LOL). He refused to give me his name and hung up on me. I called the main Houston office and the girl was very courteous when I explained the situation. She gave me the floor manager's extension in case I had anymore problems and said my number would be removed from their call list. I mean, these guys who call are really rude especially for me not even owing, them having the wrong person calling me, and me not even knowing who the heck they were looking for. They are really bad news.

Have had same problem with Universal Fidelity. Incessant phone calls over a $88 charge that I have no record of or will they provide me with written proof that the amount is owed or what it was I was suppose to have purchased. Certified letter to them received June 4, 2007 telling them to cease and desist per fed law. So far the daily calls have stopped.

And that much is a good thing, at least. Did you send your validation request certified as well? The things they're willing to do for 88 freakin' bucks, sigh...