A video circulating online claims that older homeowners can now freeze or dramatically reduce their property taxes through a new federal program.
It sounds appealing.
It also isn’t real.
On September 15, 2026, the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector warned homeowners about a scam spreading through social media, online videos, and telephone calls.
The scammers claim that seniors or other homeowners can use a new federal program to reduce or freeze their property taxes—or avoid certain local taxes.
They may even refer to a supposedly official IRS document called “Form 1098-SR.”
There is no such federal property-tax relief program or IRS form.
Why the scam sounds believable
There really are property-tax programs that can help some homeowners.
California has legitimate programs involving property taxes, including the Homeowners’ Exemption, Proposition 13, Proposition 19, the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, and the Property Tax Postponement program.
That makes a fake program easier to believe.
The scam takes something real—property-tax relief—and adds something that doesn’t exist.
What the scammers want
According to San Diego County, people promoting the fake program may ask homeowners for sensitive information such as:
- Social Security numbers
- Banking information
- Personal identifying information
- Money or fees to supposedly process the application
That is where a misleading video can become a serious financial problem.
One important thing to understand
Property taxes aren’t controlled by a new federal program that suddenly gives seniors a nationwide exemption.
California property taxes operate under state law and involve local taxing agencies.
So if you see a video claiming that Congress just created a new federal program allowing seniors to freeze their property taxes, stop before clicking.
Don’t trust the video. Verify the claim.
AI-generated and digitally manipulated videos can make almost anyone appear convincing.
But the technology doesn’t have to be perfect.
It only has to convince you to make one more click.
If you see a claim about a new property-tax benefit, go directly to your county’s official tax collector or assessor website.
Don’t use the phone number or link supplied by the person promoting the offer.
And never provide your Social Security number or banking information simply because an online video looks official.
Evidence: Strong
Source: San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector, September 15, 2026.
Official sources
About this information
Senior Life Watchdog provides general public information and is not a government agency, law firm, financial advisory service, or healthcare provider. This information is intended to help readers understand changes and locate official resources. Rules can change and individual eligibility depends on your circumstances. Always verify important information with the appropriate government agency or qualified professional before making financial, legal, or healthcare decisions.
Last verified: September 25, 2026
We’ll update this page when official information changes.
VERIFY THE INFORMATION
- Source:
- San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector
- Official publication:
- County Treasurer Larry Cohen Warns Homeowners About Fake Property Tax Relief Scam
- Last verified by Senior Life Watchdog:
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