Revenue commissioner warns public of scam

Published 3:25 pm Monday, August 4, 2014

The Marengo County Revenue Commissioner’s Office has received complaints of a scam targeting county residents.

Revenue Commissioner Sharon Barkley said several citizens called her office about a letter asking for $83 to receive a current grant deed and property assessment profile. The letter also included a return envelope.

“Please do not send money to this company,” Barkley said. “We did not send out any letters. You can get an appraised assessment sheet for free through our office by calling or going online. This is a scam.”

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She added that the cities of Demopolis and Linden have been alerted to the scam.

“From the reports we’ve gotten, it seems to be targeting the elderly,” she said. “The only thing we send out as far as bills is the tax bills that go out in October. Other than that, we never ask for any money.”

Barkley said any questions can be directed to her office at (334) 295-2214. Appraised property assessments can be obtained for free by calling Barkley’s office or by going to the revenue office’s website at www.marengocountyal.com.

The company sending the letter, Record Transfer Services, is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an “F” rating with the BBB.