Montgomery County Officials Warn Of Scam Letter

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- Officials in Montgomery County are warning property owners not to be fooled by a letter that tells them they can pay $99 to petition to have their property tax assessment reviewed.

Montgomery County's Office of Consumer Protection said Friday that the direct mail solicitation gives the false appearance that it is from a state or local government agency. In reality, the address is a mail drop location. Officials say there is no cost for property owners to petition for a tax assessment review.

Officials say the deceptive letter has been reported to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. They say anyone who provided credit card information or sent checks as a result of the letter can file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection.