Allied Interstate - beware

I started getting collection calls a little over a week ago. Well, not me, I don't have any debt out there besides my home payment. Someone named Peter started getting them on my home phone number.

At first I didn't think any thing of it. Wrong numbers happen. And we've only had our number for about 6 years. So, if anyone was trying to collect on a 7 year old debt from the previous owner of the phone number before it falls thru the loop hole that prevents collection, well, we are right in that window of time.

After a couple times of clarifying that "Peter" doesn't live here and they should stop calling, and the calls not stopping, I decided this needed more attention from me.

So, next time they called, I got their business information first before launching into my spiel about how we don't know Peter and they should stop calling.

Alliance Interstate

I look them up on BBB...F business rating. What does F mean?

We strongly question the company’s reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the company’s industry is known for its fraudulent business practices.

Wonderful.

Then I did a quick Google search on them. I turn up a history of fraud, intimidation, misrepresentation, extortion and several court cases that have successfully prosecuted them. Turns out their M.O. is to keep calling a number, even if the debt holder isn't at that number, until the person pays out of annoyance.

Wonderful.

Well, that convinced me to step up the belligerence when they called. I started recording the calls and refusing to answer any questions until they gave me their business information (address, phone number) and their employee ID number. After that I informed them that I was taping the call for legal purposes.

As soon as they ask for "Peter", I would inform them that Peter doesn't live here and that I told them this X number of days ago. At that time remind them that it is against the law for them to keep calling once they have ascertained that it is a wrong number and I have ask them to stop calling. Then I ask for a manager and repeated the above message.

After which I called their 1800 number and repeated the message.

Then I filed a complaint against them with the state of Ohio (where they are) and the state of Washington.

It's been 48 hours since the last call. Since they were calling every 4 hours before then, I'm hoping this means they got the message and backed off.

This is the web, so I thought I could add my experience and if anyone is getting harassed by these bullies, you can take heart. You didn't do anything wrong, they are just slime artists.

Here is their contact information if you need it to send them a cease and desist letter or such.

Allied Interstate Inc.
3000 Corporate Exchange Drive
Columbus, OH 43231

888-748-4956


Advice:

1) Don't give them your name. All you have to do is confirm or dis confirm the name they are looking for. If you give them more then that, they will start calling you for the same debt, assuming that you are related or involved some how.

2) Take down their information. Even if you can't record the call, write down where, when, with who you talked. Keep records so you have the info if you need to escalate the problem to a lawyer.

3) Don't feel bad about asserting your rights. It's illegal for them to keep calling you if you are not the person. If you don't tell them they are committing a crime, they will assume you don't know it's illegal and keep contacting you.

There is lots of good advice out on the web about dealing with obnoxious creditors and such. Spend some time and get armed with information. Look up the THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT. It prescribes your rights and the rights of the debt collection agency.