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Debt collection is a booming business in tight times. Millions of Americans are just weeks away from bankruptcy, trying to make ends meet. Now, debt collectors have new tactics to try to get what they’re owed. And some of those tactics are skeptical.

Beth Givens, a privacy expert with Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, said she sees it as a growing problem. Debt collectors have begun calling other family members, friends, even neighbors, trying to track down debtors. Expect mail, emails, even voice mails and texts.

Givens wants people to comprehend they do have rights, and that some of the new approaches may be illegal. “If you are in debt, know that there is a federal law that puts limits on the kinds of communications that debt collectors can have and it pays to really be informed,” Givens advised.

Debt collectors can use references on credit applications and other paperwork to find people you know. You may have used them as references to secure loans or credit. Collectors can ask them where YOU are. But they don’t have to give that information up. And they should know, collectors cannot ask your friends to pay the debt for you.”A collection situation is never easy for a consumer to deal with,” advised Ken Paterson, who is with the Credit Advisory Service.

Paterson said people should also know their own loan companies may act as collectors. That certainly was a shock for Laura Wynn, whose car loan company called her sister.”My sister called me very upset and said that somebody had called and wanted to know if she knew what kind of person I was and the lack of integrity that I held,” she said.

If you do feel harassed, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Beth Givens said she expects collections to boom. “In this time of economic downturn, debt collection is a growth industry, so I think that we’re going to be hearing more complaints about debt collectors.” Your best bet– don’t dodge the debt collector’s call. If they can reach you, they’re less likely to start calling family and friends.