Kent County Officials Warn Homeowners of Property Tax Scams
This is a press release from Kent County
Residents Urged to Verify Assistance Offers with Treasurer’s Office Before Taking Action.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (March 3, 2025) – As property tax deadlines approach, Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor and Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker are warning property owners about deceptive and illegal schemes targeting individuals facing tax delinquency or foreclosure proceedings.
Around this time of year, scammers increase their efforts to take advantage of property owners experiencing financial stress. Homeowners—especially seniors and vulnerable residents—are being targeted with false promises of assistance, only to be stripped of their home equity, ownership rights, or additional funds.
"My office will only contact homeowners if they are delinquent with their property taxes," said Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor. "We also send certified notices and quarterly statements to ensure homeowners are aware of their status and available options."
Scammers use a variety of methods to prey on homeowners, including personal mailings, emails, text messages, phone calls and in-person visits.
These fraudulent contacts often urge property owners to "call now for help," but their true intent is to exploit homeowners in financial distress. A few common property tax scams include:
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 never delivered
Some of these fraudulent schemes are not only deceptive but also criminal. Homeowners should never sign documents or make payments without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
"These scams are not just unethical—they can be illegal," said Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker. "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."
If you are contacted by someone other than the Kent County Treasurer’s Office offering to "help" with a delinquent property tax issue or foreclosure, contact the Kent County Treasurer’s Office immediately at (616) 632-7500.
"We encourage anyone to call my office if they have any questions—we are here to help and will clarify if a contact is legitimate," concluded MacGregor.
