Consumer complaint received 2015-03-27
Company: I.Q. DATA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
State: LA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Communication tactics
Sub-issue: Used obscene/profane/abusive language

Complaint:
On XXXX XXXX at approximately XXXX ( CST ), I received a call from an individual who identified herself as XXXX with IQ Data International. From the beginning of the conversation, XXXX took a very confrontational and demeaning tone as she attempted to " scold me '' for failing to answer her multiple calls from XXXX. I informed XXXX that, of course, I had no way of knowing the calls were coming from her and that in any event, I do n't answer calls from XXXX unless a voicemail is left. After informing XXXX not to speak to me in the manner she was speaking to me in, the conversation moved to the issue of the debt I owe to a former apartment complex. The initial balance XXXX provided me with was {$3500.00} and she immediately proceeded to ask me ( in a very rude and unprofessional tone ) how I wanted to pay the debt this month. I told her that I needed to first know what the breakdown of charges were. I feel that prior to asking me for a method of payment after providing me with the balance owed, XXXX should have first given me the breakdown of charges so that I could determine whether I needed to dispute any of them. XXXX seemed to take issue with the fact that I asked her to provide me with the breakdown of charges prior to giving her a method of payment, and she then proceeded to raise her voice and become extremely belligerent as I told her that the balance seemed high given that I should only owe 2 months of rent per the apartment complex 's policy ( I had already spoken with the management at the complex ). I attempted to inform XXXX that if she simply provided me with the breakdown of charges, there would be no need to argue because I could then confirm that I was charged in accordance with Texas law. After several attempts, XXXX finally provided me with the breakdown of charges. She then proceeded to rudely attempt to explain to me that the law did n't matter, that she had seen plenty of apartment complexes charge more than what I was being charged and that she had no idea why I was upset since I had obviously been given a break by the complex. I informed XXXX that the reason for my inquiry was not relevant ; the only concern she should have is that I have a right to inquire into the specifics of my debt and the specific reasons behind the charges. XXXX again told me that she had never seen someone argue about being charged less than what they owe and that she did n't understand why I was n't being charged the entire lease amount but that she was going to call the apartment complex and " find out why. '' I believed this to be some attempt at a veiled threat and at this point I informed XXXX that she could call the complex if she wished but that the billed amount would likely stand due to Texas 's landlords ' duty to mitigate damages from broken leases. XXXX continued to attempt to debate the law with me, finally prompting me to ask her if she was a lawyer. At this point, I had enough of XXXX 's condescending and demeaning tone as well as her multiple attempts to tell me what my rights were in a state which she likely has absolutely no knowledge of the law. I asked XXXX multiple times to speak with someone else and she told me several times that " no one in her office wanted to deal with me. '' Again, floored by her unprofessionalism and disrespect, I finally hung up the phone and called back to speak with a manager. he told me that I would have to speak with XXXX to set up payment arrangements. After being transferred, XXXX continued to be rude, prompting me to ask her if she took issue with me personally. She ignored the question and then told me that I would need to attempt to get a loan before I could set up payment arrangements. I asked her if that was a legal requirement or a policy of her company 's, and she told me that was none of my business as if I had no right to ask.

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