Consumer complaint received 2019-03-25
Company: Professional Debt Mediation, Inc.
State: LA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint:
This complaint is in regards to Professional Debt Mediation in XXXX, Florida. Their phone number is XXXX. I initially started disputing this debt with the credit bureau because I worked out an agreement with the former management of the original creditor, XXXX XXXX, prior to relocating due to a job. This was six years ago. The agreement was that I pay a balance of {$400.00} for a cleaning fee. That {$400.00} was included as part of my final payment that I paid with a money order. I was told when I turned in my keys that I did not owe a balance. In XXXX, I began seeing Professional Debt Mediation pop up on my credit reports as a collection for XXXX XXXX for {$1100.00}. I called original creditor, XXXX XXXX, in XX/XX/XXXX to find out why this was showing up, although it was paid and I was told that, the property had new management and I would have to dispute it with the credit bureaus. From XX/XX/XXXX - XX/XX/XXXX, I have been submitting disputes for this to each of the credit bureaus. Finally, because I wasn't getting anywhere with the credit bureau, I submitted a letter in XX/XX/XXXX for pay to delete for {$400.00}. Even though, I already paid XXXX XXXX when I moved out, I just needed to get this off my report because I have not been able to get an apartment in my name because of this. I called Professional Debt Mediation because I never got a response from them in XX/XX/XXXX and was told by a representative by the name of XXXX that they will settle and pay to delete for {$780.00}. I asked why the {$780.00} and I was told this is what the original creditor agreed to. I told them I would call XXXX XXXX to confirm. Once I called XXXX XXXX, I was told by a manager that they didn't know anything about the debt or the settlement and anything that I was being told was being made up by Professional Debt Mediation. I called Professional Debt Mediation back and told them what the property manager at XXXX XXXX said and was told by the manager that XXXX XXXX was lying and they did in fact talk to them directly about the debt. I told them that XXXX XXXX said that was inaccurate and he became very rude and talked about suing me because I called to validate the debt. I waited a few weeks before I called back and got a young lady by the name of XXXX again, this time she said she would accept {$400.00}. I paid {$400.00} on XX/XX/XXXX. I recieved a receipt via email and was told I would get a letter as well confirming that I paid the debt to delete from my credit report. I called back XX/XX/XXXX, to ensure that I would be getting my letter soon because I'm trying to move into an apartment and they will not allow me to without having a letter in writing saying that this debt is paid in full or they need to see it removed from my credit reports. When I called back today, XX/XX/XXXX, I spoke to a Ms. XXXX, who was beyond rude. I asked to speak to XXXX and she said she was not in. I asked will she be in today and she became super rude and said that I owed a balance of {$780.00}. I told her that was impossible because I settled just a week ago for {$400.00} with XXXX. She continued to be rude and said that if I didnt pay 780 I would be sued. I explained to her that just a week ago I settled for {$400.00} with XXXX, after she became belligerent, I asked for a supervisor and the supervisor took up for Ms. XXXX. So they got my {$400.00} and now they are saying they want more. The {$400.00} was pay for delete and I want this deleted because it was never supposed to be a debt collection to begin with according to XXXX XXXX. The only reason I paid {$400.00} is for me to get my apartment. Thank you

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation