One of my top priorities is to help you safeguard your most valuable asset: your home. Property tax scams are on the rise, targeting unsuspecting homeowners with increasingly sophisticated schemes.
Here are 6 property tax scams that are out there and ideas of ways to protect yourself and your property.
1. The “Official” Letter Scam:
Scam Alert: Scammers often send homeowners official-looking letters or emails that appear to be from government agencies or tax authorities. These letters claim that your property taxes are past due and threaten severe consequences, such as foreclosure, if you don’t pay immediately.
Protection Tip: Contact your local tax assessor’s office directly using publicly available contact information to confirm any outstanding taxes.
2. Overpriced Property Tax Services:
Scam Alert: A company may promise to lower your property tax bill for a fee. They may say they have “inside knowledge” or a special relationship with tax authorities, but their services are often overpriced or even fraudulent.
Protection Tip: Research the company thoroughly, check for reviews, and consult with a trusted financial advisor or attorney before making any payments.
3. Phony “Tax Relief” Companies:
Scam Alert: Fraudulent companies may present themselves as tax relief organizations, promising to help homeowners reduce their property tax burdens through loopholes or tax evasion schemes.
Protection Tip: Always work with reputable professionals when seeking legitimate tax advice or assistance.
4. Fake Property Tax Assessors:
Scam Alert: Some individuals may pose as property tax assessors, offering to reassess your property at a lower value for a fee. These assessments are often unreliable and can lead to legal trouble.
Protection Tip: Verify the credentials of anyone who claims to be a tax assessor and check their background. Legitimate assessors should have proper licensing and be affiliated with reputable organizations.
5. Unsolicited Door-to-Door Offers:
Scam Alert: Be cautious of someone who shows up at your door claiming to be tax assessors or offering to lower your property tax.
Protection Tip: Decline their services and ask for identification and contact information.
6. Wire Transfer Requests:
Scam Alert: Scammers may request payment via wire transfer, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency, making it difficult to trace the money once it’s sent.
Protection Tip: Always use secure and traceable payment methods. Government agencies will typically provide official channels for payment, such as checks or online payment systems.
Property tax scams can be financially devastating and emotionally distressing. The best defense against these scams is to stay informed and vigilant. Verify the legitimacy of any communications or offers related to your property taxes, and consult with trusted professionals when in doubt. Remember that legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment through unsolicited letters or phone calls.
If you suspect that you’ve been targeted by a property tax scam or have any concerns about your property taxes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help you protect your home and your financial well-being.
Safeguarding your home is not just about buying the right property; it’s also about protecting it from potential threats.
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