Fake tax relief program: St. Louis County warns seniors…

In early August 2026, authorities in St. Louis County alerted residents to the circulation of AI-generated videos promoting fraudulent information regarding property tax refunds. These videos have prompted numerous inquiries from seniors concerning programs and application forms that do not actually exist.

What happened

The deceptive content centers on a supposed "Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request," which includes false claims regarding changes to federal law. According to Mary Garness, the St. Louis County Public Records and Property Valuation Director, the AI-generated videos sound remarkably convincing, which has led to confusion among the target demographic. Officials have confirmed that the programs described in the videos are entirely fabricated. The county has emphasized that residents should rely only on official channels for tax program information, noting that legitimate details can be found on the county website or by calling 218-726-2304. While the motivation behind the creation of these videos remains unknown, the incident highlights the growing threat of AI-driven misinformation campaigns targeting vulnerable populations. The official deadline for homeowners to apply for legitimate property tax refunds remains August 15.