For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is warning senior homeowners about a viral online video promoting a nonexistent federal property tax relief program.
In a release, DOR said the video claims that Congress passed a law providing significant property tax relief for older homeowners, enabling seniors to freeze or reduce property taxes.
“Viewers are directed to contact their county assessor and request a ‘Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request’ or ‘IRS Form 1098-SR,’” DOR said. “DOR warns that no such federal program or form exists, and the contact information provided to homeowners directs them to scammers, not their county assessors.”
“This is an AI-generated video designed to trick seniors into sharing Social Security numbers and banking details, or paying fees for nonexistent filing services,” said Wisconsin Secretary of Revenue David Casey. “Property taxes are handled exclusively by local and state governments, not the federal government.”
With the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), DOR said, scammers are increasingly using fake videos to spread misinformation.
“Sophisticated technology is used to generate videos that impersonate government officials, making them appear to say things they never actually said,” DOR stated. “These videos often include official-looking logos, the seals of real government agencies and government terminology, making it difficult to differentiate between a real video and one that is fake.”
DOR said the following practices will help prevent seniors from falling victim to scams:
- Question and investigate videos before believing them. Scammers use AI tools to create videos that copy the appearance and voices of real people. No matter how real or convincing a video appears, you must practice caution – especially with offers that seem too good to be true.
- Do not share personal details. Government tax and assessor offices will never ask for sensitive personal of financial information over the phone, via text or through unverified online links.
- Verify locally. If you have questions about legitimate property tax relief programs, contact your local municipality directly.
Those who encounter a scam are asked to report it directly to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
Individuals who have lost money or control of their identity to a scam are encouraged to contact Wisconsin’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128.
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