Los Angeles County officials are warning seniors and homeowners about a scam that falsely claims property taxes can be reduced or frozen by filing a nonexistent federal form. County agencies said the fraudulent pitches are spreading through social media, online videos and phone calls.
The scam promotes a fake IRS form called 1098-SR, but county officials said no such form exists and there is no federal property tax relief program tied to it. Jeff Prang, the county assessor, said the misinformation is especially dangerous for seniors and homeowners looking for legitimate ways to lower their tax bills.
Officials also said the fake ads claim seniors can freeze their property taxes, reduce their tax bills or avoid certain local taxes and school bond taxes. But California property taxes are set under state law and managed by local governments, and the federal government has no authority to determine, cap or freeze them.
County officials urged residents not to give money or personal information to anyone making these claims and to verify any tax relief offer directly with government agencies.
