(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Assessor’s Office is alerting the public to a letter circulating that threatens to seize assets due to a nonpayment in taxes, which the Assessor’s Office said is a scam.

The Assessor’s Office said the letter, titled “DISTRAINT WARRANT Tax Assessment Securities Public Judgment Records,” falsely claims the recipient has a federal tax debt and threatens seizure or forfeiture of property and claims Social Security and bank accounts may be seized.

According to the Assessor’s Office, the letters are not legitimate and do not represent distraint warrants issued by the county treasurer. The Assessor’s office urges the public to be cautious of any letter making threatening claims about unpaid taxes. Victims of the scam should report it to law enforcement.

Property owners concerned about their tax status should visit the El Paso County Treasurer’s website for information on taxes owed or paid on their property.

More information about the scam can be found on the El Paso County Assessor’s Office website.