Douglas County assessor warns seniors about viral AI property tax scam on YouTube
AI-generated videos on YouTube trick seniors by making false claims about property taxes and relief options. The videos are clickbait designed to harvest personal information.
How it works
Seniors encounter AI-generated videos on YouTube that make false promises about property tax relief or exemptions. The videos appear designed to look official but are actually clickbait created for advertising revenue. Viewers are prompted to provide personal information to supposedly qualify for tax breaks.
Red flags to watch for
- Video claims to offer property tax relief or exemptions you have never heard of
- AI-generated voice or deepfake video impersonating a government official
- Urgent request for your personal or financial information
- Video asks you to contact a phone number or website shown on screen
- Content is sensational, clickbait-style thumbnail or title
What to do
Do not enter personal information into websites or call numbers promoted in YouTube videos about tax relief. Instead, contact your county assessor directly using the phone number or website listed on your property tax bill or found by searching your county's official website. Verify any tax exemption by calling your assessor's office; legitimate programs do not recruit through viral videos.
If this reached you
Source: KMGH Denver7 . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.