Bush: Dial 1-800-OOPS for housing help

US homeowners who could face crippling mortgage payments will have a hard time getting help if they call a telephone number President George W Bush recommended - because he gave them the wrong number.

"I have a message for every homeowner worried about rising mortgage payments: The best you can do for your family is to call 1-800-995-HOPE," Bush said after a White House meeting with administration officials and lenders on a new plan to help.

Unfortunately he was a couple digits off, it is actually 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

Moments after Bush completed his remarks, a White House aide told reporters the president misspoke and gave the correct number. Calls to the number Bush gave out were met with a busy signal.

Source:Stuff.co.nz