how do i stop them?

Hey laurel do not worry. I know it feels bad when you see people who are close to you being traumatized and harassed. But you do not sit quietly go through the link given below and know what a collection agency should do while collecting a debt.

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/collection-agency/faqs.html

Good luck
Nelly

You ought to spend some quality time reading up on allied interstate. Start with the PayDay Loan forum on this site. Also look at budhibbs.com and ripoffreport.com.

allied interstate is a class action lawsuit waiting to happen. You can file suit against them for third party disclosure and just for contacting them. They already have your number, they know where they can reach you. They have no reason to contact anyone else related to you now that they know where/how you can be reached. Also by threatening to call your employer that is a violation as they cannot speak to anyone other than you, the 3 major credit reporting agencies (for the purpose of reporting only), a attorney, another collection agency (only if they wish to contract it or sell it), or the original creditor about any debt that you owe.

The collection agency is permitted to call a friend or relative to locate you if you have not previously been located. If they found you first and then called your Grandparents they are in violation of the fdcpa. You need to send the a cease and desist letter and also a debt validation letter by certified return receipt mail. These can be combined into one letter. They have offices all over the country but generally you are being contacted by the one in your state. Have you received any statement in the mail from them with their address?

thanks a ton goodnelly! i went through the link posted by you and not only did it help me with my problem, but i came to know of so many other things. i recommend everyone with problems with collection agencies going through the page. and the other sites are equally helpful. thanks again!