Michigan Homeowners Getting Scammed Over Property Tax & You Could Be Next

Michigan homeowners now have a new scam to worry about as Kent County leadership is warning residents that there is a new scam that seems very real but couldn't be further from the truth.

This new scam is all centered around your property taxes. The scammers are using just about every form of communication to strip people of their home equity, their ownership rights, and additional funds. This is a pretty common practice that targets vulnerable and gullible homeowners.

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According to the report from WoodTV, homeowners should keep an eye out for the following:

• Fraudulent “tax specialists” who charge excessive upfront fees for negotiating tax debts
• Property investors offering to buy homes at below-market prices under false pretenses
• Fake government representatives demanding immediate payment via unconventional methods
• Deed theft schemes, where scammers trick homeowners into signing over their property
• Phony loan modification services requiring upfront payments for assistance that is never delivered

This is an issue that Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker sees far too often, as he said in a statement:

Scammers take advantage of homeowners when they are most vulnerable, often pressuring them into signing away their rights. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Before taking any action, contact the Treasurer’s Office to verify the legitimacy of any offer.

This kind of thing makes me happy to know I have everything escrowed in together, and the property taxes come out with every mortgage payment. Even though owning a house is already difficult enough, there are still people out there trying to destroy your livelihood.