Artificial intelligence is making online scams harder to spot, and a recent viral video targeting Wisconsin homeowners is a good reminder to double-check information before sharing personal or financial information.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) issued a warning on September 3, 2026, about an AI-generated video promoting a nonexistent federal property tax relief program for senior homeowners.

What Is the Scam?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the video falsely claims that Congress passed a law allowing older homeowners to freeze or reduce their property taxes.

The video then directs homeowners to contact their county assessor and request something called a:

• “Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request”

• “IRS Form 1098-SR”

Here’s the important part: Neither the federal program nor the form described in the video exists.

Even more concerning, the contact information provided in the video doesn't lead homeowners to their county assessor—it directs them to scammers.

Why This Scam Is Especially Concerning

The DOR says the AI-generated video is designed to convince seniors to provide sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and banking information, or to pay fees for filing services that don't actually exist.

AI technology can now create surprisingly realistic videos that imitate government officials. Scammers may also use government terminology, agency seals and official-looking logos to make their claims appear legitimate.

That means seeing someone who looks and sounds like a government official on video is no longer enough to confirm that the information is legitimate.

How Wisconsin Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue recommends taking a few simple precautions:

Question videos before trusting them.
If an offer sounds unusually generous or too good to be true, verify it independently—even if the person in the video appears to be a government official.

Don't provide sensitive information through unverified links.
Be especially cautious with requests for Social Security numbers, banking information or payment.

Verify property tax information locally.
If you have questions about a property tax program, assessment or potential tax relief, contact your local municipality directly rather than using contact information supplied in an unsolicited video, social media post, text or email.

Report suspected scams.
The DOR recommends reporting scams to the Federal Trade Commission or Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Wisconsin's Consumer Protection Hotline is 800-422-7128.

Are There Legitimate Wisconsin Property Tax Relief Programs?

Yes—and that's part of what can make scams like this convincing.

Wisconsin does have legitimate property tax credits and assistance programs. Depending on eligibility, these can include the Lottery and Gaming Credit, First Dollar Credit, School Levy Tax Credit, Homestead Credit, Veterans and Surviving Spouses Property Tax Credit, and other programs.

The key difference is that these are established programs with information available directly through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue—not a newly created federal program promoted through a viral video.

You can review legitimate programs on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Property Tax Relief Credits page.

A Good Reminder for Homeowners and Their Families

Scams involving real estate, property taxes and homeownership can be particularly effective because they deal with significant amounts of money and subjects that can be confusing.

If you have an older parent, grandparent, neighbor or friend who owns a home in Wisconsin, consider sharing this warning with them. A quick conversation could prevent someone from providing personal information or sending money to a scammer.

And whenever you receive unexpected information about your property taxes, assessment or home, verify the information through an official source before taking action.

As a local REALTOR® and Broker/Owner, I'm always happy to help point homeowners toward the appropriate local or state resource when questions involving their property come up.

Source

Wisconsin Department of Revenue, “Wisconsin Department of Revenue Warns Senior Homeowners About Viral Property Tax Scam,” September 3, 2026.

Additional information about legitimate Wisconsin property tax programs is available through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue Property Tax website.