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Quality of Life

New Law Makes It Harder To Scam Property Tax Reassessments

More than 20,000 San Diegans filed for a property tax reassessment last year. That’s more than five times as many as in a normal year.

Chief Deputy County Assessor Diana Lackey says residents often receive letters from companies offering to do property reassessments for a fee, but her office does it for free,

Lackey says a new state law goes in effect this month making it illegal to put official-looking seals or emblems on letters offering to lower property tax assessments for a fee.

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"Often, senior citizens can be confused by the misleading mailers that were sent out previously," Lackey said. "This new law prohibiting these misleading emblems and symbols, I think this is a great stride forward to help protect the consumer."

Lackey says more than 200,000 San Diegans received a temporary property tax reduction last year.

The County Assessor’s office reduced more than 70,000 of them without even being petitioned by the homeowner.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.