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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

December 18, 2009

 

Contact: Warren Slocum, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder

Phone: 650.363.4988 Fax: 650.363.1903 E-mail: wslocum@smcare.org

 

Alternate: Angelina Hunter

Phone: 650.363.4454 Fax: 650.363.1903 E-mail: ahunter@smcare.org

 

Scam Targets San Mateo County Homeowners

Official Looking Notice Mailed to Property Owners Offering Lower Taxes

 

PDF Consumer Alert - Property Tax Reduction Scams

 

(Redwood City, CA) Property owners throughout California are the hoped-for customers of a number of private companies who are taking advantage of people during these economically uncertain times.  Companies with clever names like “Tax Review” and “Tax Reassessment” and “Tax Adjusters” are soliciting fees to file a homeowner’s Request for a Decline in Value review for the 2010-2011 Property Assessment.

 

“The real estate market downturn has created some sharks—companies that are offering services that are provided for FREE by all Assessors’ Offices in California,” explained Warren Slocum, San Mateo County Chief Elections Officer & Assessor-County Clerk–Recorder. Solicitations include an “estimated tax savings” figure that cites hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars, making the fee seem minimal. Solicitations compel a property owner to mail their check before December 31st to create a false sense of urgency.

 

“The reality is that homeowners can request a Decline in Value review at any time and may do so directly to our office  – for FREE,” explained Slocum.

 

The Attorney General’s Office has issued a Consumer Alert warning of Property Tax Reduction Scams and encourages victims to file a claim with the Attorney General’s Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA. 94244. To read the notice, go to the website, www.ag.ca.gov/consumers .

 

 “San Mateo County homeowners can submit a Request for a Decline in Value on our website, www.smcare.org,” explained Slocum. “The process is straightforward and simple to do.”  Downloadable forms are available in English, Spanish and Chinese, as well.

 

“Calls have been pouring into the Assessor’s Office from homeowners who have received these notices,” said Angelina Hunter, Deputy Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. “The phones are ringing off the hook.”

 

Property owners are encouraged to call the Assessor’s Office at (650) 363-4500 if they have questions about the process or need help in filling out the Request for a Decline in Value form.