Scam Alert: Don't Fall for Property Tax Review Site

Property owners are being targeted by a bogus letter that tells residents if they send $99 to an entity posing as a government office they can have their property taxes reduced.

Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection is warning property owners not to be fooled by the deceptive letter.

Montgomery Community Media reports the direct mail solicitation looks like it is from a state or local government agency, provides a return address that is, in reality, a mail-drop location, and fails to disclose that there is actually no cost for property owners to petition for a tax assessment review.

A website listed on the phony form has the appearance of an official site, using an image of the Maryland flag on the main page.

The issue has been reported to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, officials said. Consumers who have given credit card information or sent checks to this merchant may file a complaint with Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection.

The Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation provides information on its website regarding how to file a petition to have a property tax assessment reviewed.

For more information, call 240.777.3636 or visit OCP’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer.