Consumer complaint received 2018-05-17
Company: I.Q. DATA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
State: TX
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Communication tactics
Sub-issue: Used obscene, profane, or other abusive language

Complaint:
I called today,XX/XX/2018in order to try and resolve a debt. Upon calling I was assigned to XXXX XXXX  at extension XXXX  and manager XXXX XXXX ext XXXX. I was made aware that this collection agency was in charge of my account by the apartment complex that sent the file there. The amounts told to me that I owed are higher than what the complex has told me I owed but I was simply calling to try and arrange payments with this company to resolve the debt. When I called they verified some information and asked me some questions regarding where I work, how much I make, what types of bills I have. I gave them the information they were requesting and went about asking about a payment plan- which other companies have been more than happy to help out and provide. I was told that he wasn't sure that I would be able to get a payment plan, but he would speak to his manager. Then proceeded to tell me that if I paid off the amount in full today they could do a 20 % reduction. I told him that I wouldn't be able to do that today or even this month and would like to make payments, understanding there would still be interest and that I would have to pay the full amount. He then told me that I should apply for a credit card with XXXX  so that I could pay off the amount today. I told him that I would not do that, as I didn't need any more credit cards, and I knew for a fact that could not get approved for a card. He proceeded then to tell me that I could either get a credit card or ask friends and family for money. I told him no, that I was calling today to try and make a payment on the account so that I could start paying it off as quickly as I could. He refused to take my money and then continued to harrass me about applying for a credit card, and that they could not make payment arrangements with me unless I showed a letter from a credit card company that said that I was not approved. I refused to try and apply for a credit card because I'm trying to pay off a debt, not get into even more debt. Then he continued harassing me about the credit card, and that if I had a mortgage on my house and that I had just been approved to buy a house, why is it that I didn't think that I could get approved for a credit card to pay off this debt. Again I explained that I would not apply for a credit card, and I wanted to make a payment. Finally I asked to speak to his manager, who was immediately upset with me telling me that they would not accept my payment unless it was the full amount and that I could mail in my measly payment if I wanted but basically they would not waste time taking it over the phone. Then she started to berate me by telling me that she didn't understand how I only had the small amount to pay, when I have a job ... It was all I could pay and that's none of her business how much money I have to pay. She then threatened me by stating they would go ahead and run a file on me to find out how much I make and all of my bills, and they would go ahead and report it to the credit bureaus that I didn't pay. I only called because I was trying to pay. I will be mailing in my check to them for my measly payment and I will be getting it certified so that I can be certain they received it. I am trying to make right by paying, but do not appreciate the harassment and them not allowing me to pay unless I get a credit card.

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