Missoula Property Owners Targeted by Scammers

A recent scam has been identified in Missoula, Montana, where property owners are being targeted with fake letters and emails. The scammers are claiming that the property owners owe money for various reasons, such as unpaid taxes or utility bills. The letters and emails are designed to look official, with fake logos and letterheads, in an attempt to convince the property owners that the debt is real. The scammers are then demanding payment, often in the form of a wire transfer or prepaid debit card. The Missoula County Treasurer’s Office has issued a warning to property owners, stating that they will never contact them via email or letter to demand payment. The office is urging property owners to be cautious and to verify any debt claims before making a payment. The scammers are using various tactics to convince property owners that the debt is real, including threatening to place a lien on the property or to initiate legal action. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the scam and is working to identify the individuals responsible. Property owners are advised to contact the Missoula County Treasurer’s Office directly to verify any debt claims. The office can be reached by phone or in person, and property owners can also check their account status online. The scam is not only targeting property owners in Missoula, but also in surrounding areas. The scammers are likely using public records to obtain the contact information of property owners. The Missoula County Treasurer’s Office is reminding property owners that they will always receive a notice in the mail if they have a legitimate debt. The notice will include the amount owed, the reason for the debt, and instructions on how to pay. Property owners are also advised to be wary of any demands for payment that seem suspicious or urgent. The scammers are likely to continue targeting property owners in the area, so it is essential for property owners to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is urging property owners to report any incidents of scam attempts to their office, so that they can investigate and take action. The office can be reached at (406) 258-4810. In addition to reporting incidents, property owners can also take steps to protect themselves from scams, such as verifying the identity of anyone contacting them and being cautious of any demands for payment that seem suspicious or urgent.

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