Allied Interstate (or International! doesn't matter!) is a collection agency, and will call you without checking - whether the number belongs to you or not, for the matter!

A collection agency. They called and asked me if I was a relative of mine who lives several states away. I could honestly tell them that no one of that name lives here. They said they would take me off of their list. We'll see. I think this activity is illegal.

Just received a call from these people. The man on the other end of the line asked for someone that doesn't work here. I told him, "I'm sorry. You must have the wrong number. We are a MECHANIC SHOP." He said he would note that and remove our number from his system but also wanted to make me aware the call was being recorded. Ok. I hung up.

Called our landline; no message left.  From other posts, sounds like a debt collector?

It's not illegal. Usually in connection to a student loan. The borrower has to put the name of three relatives. I always thought that this was for a reference, however it is so they can try to track you down if you don't pay. They figure that your relatives should know who you are. So, someone basically handed these scumbags your name and phone number, and is not paying their student loan.