California officials warn of property tax scam targeting seniors

California officials in Ventura and Mariposa counties are warning property owners, particularly seniors, about a fraudulent scheme involving nonexistent property tax relief. Scammers are using social media, phone calls, and AI-generated videos to claim that homeowners can reduce or freeze their property taxes by filing a federal IRS form labeled “1098-SR”.

Authorities emphasize that no such federal form exists for the purpose of freezing or reducing property taxes. While a legitimate IRS Form 1098 exists as a Mortgage Interest Statement, it does not provide tax relief. Officials warn that these scammers may attempt to collect sensitive personal or financial information from victims.

Property taxes are administered by state and local governments, not the federal government. Legitimate relief programs in California include Proposition 13, Proposition 19, the Homeowners’ Exemption, and the Property Tax Postponement (PTP) program. Residents are advised to verify any tax relief claims directly through official county or state government sources.