Consumer complaint received 2017-02-15 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Disclosure verification of debt — Not given enough info to verify debt
Company: Professional Debt Mediation, Inc.
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
In XXXX of XXXX, I received phones calls from PDM claiming I owe a debt of {$27.00} to XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX, AZ. I stated that I was willing and able to pay the debt immediately, but needed written verification of the debt from their agency to verify the debt and where I can send payment to. The debtor, XXXX XXXX sent me an email that was blank, but had attached the file from the apartment complex- not a Letter of Validation from the debtor like I had asked for. When I replied to the email twice, I received no response. A few weeks later, they called back. Since then, I have gone back and forth with them stating I AM WILLING AND ABLE TO PAY immediately upon receipt of a Letter of Validation. I have verified my address with them and they have my correct mailing address and I have still not received a letter. I called the apartment complex, XXXX to ask if there was a way around this and they said they would call PDM to ask them on my behalf to send a letter. When XXXX called me back, they said that PDM has sent me multiple letters that have all been returned therefore I need to make my debt right and pay it over the phone immediately ( this is a lie ). I explained to her that I have rights and I am able to pay, but need a letter of proof of the debt. She continued with a condescending and angry tone telling me to pay the little amount that I owe otherwise they wo n't take my debt off my credit report. The fact that this debt was reported to a debt collector is a separate issue, but I also never received communication from them about a debt in the first place. I lived in said apartment complex in XXXX and am just now hearing of this debt in XXXX. 

I called PDM last Monday, XXXX/XXXX/XXXX and the lady verified my address and said they would send a letter out immediately. It 's now XXXX/XXXX/XXXX and I have yet to receive a letter.This is a roundabout of communication that has gone on since XXXX. 

I have read reviews online about this company and several people are having the same issue. Some have issues with paying their debt and not receiving proof or a receipt and the debt is not taken off their credit report. They beg PDM to fix it, and they continue with harassment. This makes me hesitant to forward payment. 

I feel that I have exhausted my efforts in trying to correct the debt that I owe, but am nervous to send payment. What if I do n't receive proof of my payment? Will they take my debt off my credit report? The amount I owe is also of concern- XXXX says {$30.00} and PDM changes the amount between $ XXXX {$30.00}. 

The tactics PDM uses is harrassment. I have had someone yell over me when I 've remained calm and explained that I am willing to pay upon receipt of a letter. They hang up on you, and when you call back they hang up on you again. 

I just want to pay my debt and have it taken off my record and my credit report. But I need a Letter of Validation.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation