A financial awareness organization is advising consumers to know their rights when it comes to dealing with debt collectors.

In a release this week, the National Financial Awareness Network observed that the latest unemployment figures mean that more Americans are likely to find their overdue bills being turned over to debt collection agencies.

The latest government statistics earlier this month indicated a 7.6 percent unemployment rate as of January.

"Many debt collectors are just trying to do their job, but many others cross the line - especially during tough economic times like this," said NFAN president John Janney in a statement. Janney went on to note that debt collectors, under federal law, are barred from harassing behavior such as threats, calling very late or early in the day and using obscene language.

To become more aware of their rights, consumers are advised to read up on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. And if you feel you have been illegally harassed by a debt collector, the Federal Trade Commission has jurisdiction over such cases, having handled over 70,000 of them in 2007 alone.

In the long run, the best way to avoid debt collectors is to avoid making late payments whenever possible. With that in mind, payday loans can be an effective part of one's financial strategy.

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