Has anyone else received a collection notice for late fees from Hollywood Video?

[Hammie]

I did not see any other posts about this, but thought the title of this thread was sort of relevant (although the first post is not. )

Has anyone else received a collection notice for late fees from Hollywood Video?

I just got one saying I owe almost $300 in late fees.

After doing some searching on Google, it seems tons of people are getting these. Some States are taking action. My wife just wants to pay on move on, but I have already contacted my local Attorney general and will probably file a complaint with the FTC. I also want to send them a letter asking for written validation of the alleged debt and not a statement showing my account number and balance.

I'm a little fuming about this.

[cinemaphile]

Did you in fact have late fees? If so, pay 'em. If not, and they're trying to collect money you don't owe, that's a whole different story.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by cinemaphile

Did you in fact have late fees? If so, pay 'em. If not, and they're trying to collect money you don't owe, that's a whole different story.

I honestly cannot remember. However, it has been at least 4-5 years since I have rented from them (They closed down in late 2009 here in my town).

Without any prior notification, my credit report has a 120+ late ding on it. There in lies the issue. All of a sudden my credit report has a huge negative on it and I owe this money. I know if I did owe anything it was NOT $300 in late charges.

[Deadset]

Sorry to hear that Hammie.

You can fight it on principal and spend probably double what it would cost just to pay them off. If you do pay them off, better get a written letter from them showing a zero balance...and keep the letter forever.

They have to show proof that you owe the debt though. They could also sell the debt to a collector (if you don't pay) many years from now stating you owe the debt. This happens all the time. They will buy the debt for pennies on the dollar and harass people for the money. Most of the stories I've heard end up with a settlement and letter of the settlement.

Finance is sort of a hobby of mine and I listen to radio shows frequently.

Good luck.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by Deadset

Sorry to hear that Hammie.

You can fight it on principal and spend probably double what it would cost just to pay them off. If you do pay them off, better get a written letter from them showing a zero balance...and keep the letter forever.

They have to show proof that you owe the debt though. They could also sell the debt to a collector (if you don't pay) many years from now stating you owe the debt. This happens all the time. They will buy the debt for pennies on the dollar and harass people for the money. Most of the stories I've heard end up with a settlement and letter of the settlement.

Finance is sort of a hobby of mine and I listen to radio shows frequently.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info.

First, I am going to dispute it and ask for written proof of the debt. If I do end up paying, I will try to get a letter of payment. Maybe a certified check or something. I think that means of payment has legal relevance.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by Hammie

Thanks for the info.

First, I am going to dispute it and ask for written proof of the debt. If I do end up paying, I will try to get a letter of payment. Maybe a certified check or something. I think that means of payment has legal relevance.

You'll be dealing with incompetence. Just go into that knowing it...prepare mentally so you don't blow up right off the bat. Know your rights and be firm, they must provide a history of the debt, ask for an audit...if they refuse, tell them you'll be getting a letter from my lawyer. Their tone may change.

I've heard stories that will make your blood boil, just do it smartly and CYA. Good luck.

[MrFattBill]

Originally Posted by Hammie

I did not see any other posts about this, but thought the title of this thread was sort of relevant (although the first post is not. )

Has anyone else received a collection notice for late fees from Hollywood Video?

I just got one saying I owe almost $300 in late fees.

After doing some searching on Google, it seems tons of people are getting these. Some States are taking action. My wife just wants to pay on move on, but I have already contacted my local Attorney general and will probably file a complaint with the FTC. I also want to send them a letter asking for written validation of the alleged debt and not a statement showing my account number and balance.

I'm a little fuming about this.

WOW, I would be fuming as well. I have had stuff like that happen with bigger ticket items. Dish Network tried to get me for ~$500 for equipment I allegedly didn't return. I had a photo of the stuff being boxed up along with shipping labels and tracking numbers and proff of delivery . The reason for my meticulous nature was TW tried to get me for not returning a cable box once. You used to be able to just drop them at a local chain of gas stations and they would pick them up. They said I didn't return them, I assured them I had and they would need to check their warehouse, they found it 2 weeks later. I don't trust ANY company now.

Good luck and I hope it gets resolved as stress free as possible.

Bill

[Deadset]

Any update on this Hammie?

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by Deadset

Any update on this Hammie?

I'm sending the certified letter out Monday to NCS. I am going to finish writing it this weekend.

[BStecke]

Apparently you're not the only one.

http://www.slashfilm.com/hollywood-v...ers-late-fees/

[jw]

I fixed this thread
It was confusing and old!

[Moefiz]

Hammie seem to be a big problem for alot of people who were members of Hollywood Video...even thou its a collection notices it also affect your credit report.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/enter...ood_video.html

[sfmarine]

This is ridiculous and highly unethical. The place went bankrupt.

[Uniquely]

Is it possible that they have tacked on some sort of penalties and interest that makes the total $300?

$300 is really a piddly sum in comparison to your credit score (but nothing is piddly when it comes to your ethics.) It may be worth it to hire an atty.... not to try to get out of it... but in order to attempt to negotiate a removal of the negative input to your credit score in exchange for a quick and full payment. Just a thought. I don't even know if that would be possible.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by robinandtami

Is it possible that they have tacked on some sort of penalties and interest that makes the total $300?

$300 is really a piddly sum in comparison to your credit score (but nothing is piddly when it comes to your ethics.) It may be worth it to hire an atty.... not to try to get out of it... but in order to attempt to negotiate a removal of the negative input to your credit score in exchange for a quick and full payment. Just a thought. I don't even know if that would be possible.

That is the thing. Apparently this includes interest... It had been well over 5 years since I had been there last.

[720pDude]

I wouldnt worry about it. Its a video store.

I have a $3,000 outstanding on a debt that I am contesting for 8 years and that didnt even stop me from buying a house in 2009

Its in collection shouldnt be there and periodically when I get a harassing call I say, "Hold on, I need to turn down my 65 inch HD TV its SWEEEET. They have stunned silence and say why dont I pay my debts since I could buy a new TV and I say, cuz if I did that then how would I have new tv! DUH!

I LOVE messing with these idiots...lowliest scum sucking job a person can take on this earth as far as I am concerned.