The Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group kicks off a public awareness campaign today aimed at warning area homeowners and potential homeowners about the dangers of falling victim to home improvement loan scams and other types of predatory lending.

The "Don't Borrow Trouble Allegheny County" campaign is a Freddie Mac-sponsored program that has been used in more than 50 metropolitan areas nationwide.

It includes brochures and door-hangers for neighborhood groups to distribute that warn about predatory lending practices and offer tips on how to shop for a mortgage and avoid foreclosure.

The campaign also includes a hot line at the PCRG -- 1-866-907-2285 -- that consumers can call for advice and guidance on home mortgages, refinancing, debt consolidation, home equity loans and preventing foreclosure.

Predatory lending practices can include imposing excessive fees and rates; hiding or inadequately explaining rates, fees and terms; steering borrowers into high-priced loans when they could qualify for better terms and lending in connection with home improvement scams.

"Predatory lending is either a loan that has been given to someone without consideration as to their ability to pay, or practices that make it difficult for the homeowner to pay back that loan," said Carlos Gasca, program director for the anti-predatory lending initiative at the PCRG, a coalition of neighborhood groups in the city.

Homeowners who are in danger of defaulting on their payments or are facing foreclosure are encouraged to call the hot line.