Orlando Joins Anti-Predatory Campaign

Orlando and the Central Florida area 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. The hotline, 407-654-8076, will refer callers for appropriate counseling on legal or housing questions. The campaign also includes the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Mortgage & Credit Center, and a coalition of housing and consumer groups. Freddie Mac began launching local "Don't Borrow Trouble" efforts in 2000, and the award-winning program is now targeted to 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.