Miami-Dade Joins Anti-Predatory Campaign

Miami and Miami-Dade County have launched a local version of Freddie Mac's "Don't Borrow Trouble" campaign to help families avoid falling prey to unscrupulous lending practices.The campaign uses advertising and consumer education to alert the public about predatory lending, Freddie Mac said. Local residents can now call a referral network of local agencies and nonprofit organizations that is administered by H.O.P.E. Inc. The hotline, 305-651-HOPE, will refer callers for appropriate counseling on legal or housing questions. The campaign also includes the Department of Housing and Urban Development, state and local agencies, and a coalition of lenders and consumer and housing groups. Freddie Mac said it is launching local "Don't Borrow Trouble" efforts in 20 cities around the country, including Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The campaign was pioneered in Boston by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Massachusetts Community & Banking Council. Freddie Mac's website address is http://www.freddiemac.com.