Attention Somerset County Residents and Business Owners:
Beware of Tax Scam Notices
Scammers are stepping up their tax scam efforts, so we are urging all county property and business owners to verify any suspicious tax-related notices received by mail.
Below are warning signs and tips from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office on how to identify and protect yourself from fraudulent tax notices. The Tax Board has highlighted the latest warning signs to look for, along with the official Tax Board contact information for verification.
Warning Signs and Tips to Identify Scam Notices:
- Fake Office Names: Somerset County does not have departments named “Tax Processing Unit,” “Tax Assessment Security Unit,” or “Tax Group Seizure Unit.” If you see these names on a notice, it’s a red flag. Some notices may be titled “Somerset County Public Judgment Record” and claim to inform recipients of illegitimate tax liens.
- Misleading Titles and Urgent Language: Some fraudulent notices are titled “Somerset County Public Judgment Record” and contain warnings of false tax liens. Like email phishing scams, these letters often contain urgent calls to action, claiming you must “act now” to avoid additional penalties or collection actions, such as wage garnishment or property seizure. Be suspicious of any tax notice that demands immediate action; creating a false sense of urgency is a common scam tactic.
- Contact Information and Return Address: Legitimate mail from the New Jersey Division of Taxation or the Somerset County Tax Board will always include complete contact information and a return mailing address, allowing you to respond by mail, phone, or email.
- Requests for Personal Information: If the notice requests sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, NEVER provide this information without first confirming the notice’s authenticity.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Notice:
If you are a Somerset County resident and receive any tax-related communication that seems suspicious, do not call the number listed on the letter. Instead, contact the Somerset County Tax Board directly at 908-541-5701 to verify the legitimacy of the mailing.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can help protect yourself from tax-related scams.
