San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen warns residents of fraudulent federal property tax freeze scam

Homeowners who receive unsolicited communications could be targeted by fraudsters seeking personal information or fees in exchange for non-existent property tax reductions.

• •San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen issued a public warning about a property tax scam on Tuesday.
• •The scam falsely claims that homeowners can reduce or freeze property taxes by filing a federal IRS Form 1098-SR.
• •No federal IRS Form 1098-SR or federal property tax relief program exists.
• •The federal government does not determine, cap, or freeze local property tax assessments.
• •Property taxes are governed by the State of California and administered through state and local agencies.
• •Scammers have used official-sounding language, social media videos, and telephone calls to promote the fraudulent program.
• •Fraudsters may create a sense of urgency to ask homeowners for personal or financial information or payment for a tax benefit.
• •Officials advised residents to verify property tax information through official government sources before providing information or making payments.
• •Residents who believe they have been scammed are urged to report the incident to law enforcement and consumer protection authorities.