How to stop collection agencies from harassing you?

Allied Interstate Inc. is a collection agency not in the good books of most. It has gained popularity for various wrong reasons like faulty debt collection practices. They are known to have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FTCPA) rules several times. They have been known to call individuals repeatedly for debts they do not owe. They have also been known to threat individuals if they refuse to pay them the money asked for.

There are umpteen complaints against this debt consolidation company. They have a long track record of harassing people and being rude with them.

Problem: Peter Smith has had several collection calls from 4 collection agencies. He was being harassed by all 4 of them to which he brought a stop with his cease and desist letter. Then one day Allied Interstate called for an individual's debt that was not Peter Smith. Allied was informed about the wrong call, but they took no heed and continue calling him several times a day despite telling them that it is the wrong number they are calling. The executive who calls does not give their address either and hence Peter has not been able to send then a registered letter.

Solution: According to Fair Debt Collection Practices Act "If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer, the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt."

Peter, the next time Allied Interstate calls you for a debt ask them to communicate with you in writing and not over the telephone. Ideally, they should have sent you a letter within 5 days of calling you for the debt that tells you that you have the right to seek debt validation. If they do not listen to your request, you do not have to listen to theirs either.

I would suggest try and Google their address out and send them a 'cease and desist' letter. This should stop Allied Interstate Inc. from calling you further for the debt. However, if they continue to call you will have the right to seek punitive action against them. The FDCPA has strict guidelines related to debt collection practices to be followed by debt collectors. Make yourself aware of these guidelines, violating which can get the collection agencies in to trouble. Peter you have the right to take action against debt collection practices that violate FDCPA.

Here are 3 steps you can immediately take if they persist calling you:

• File a complaint with your state attorney general

• File a complaint with the FTC

• File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau
 
• File a civil suit in your federal or state court

When you file complaints you will need evidence. So, if Allied is communicating with you only through phone, tell them that you are recording their call and do record the call.

Allied Interstate is popular for its notorious ways of seeking debt collection. They are known to:

• Constantly call to harass people with false collection calls.
 
• Be rude when they call individuals for any debt.

• Refuse to provide any contact details when asked.

• Not identify themselves properly when calling an individual regarding a debt.

• Not stop calling even if the debtor asks them to saying that they are violating FDCPA rules.

• Review credit reports without permission.

• Call at weird times of the day when the individual has already restricted the time to call for debt collection.