The Routt County Treasurer’s Office is warning local property owners — particularly seniors and those with delinquent property taxes — to exercise “extreme caution” when approached by individuals or private companies offering to resolve delinquent taxes or prevent the loss of a home, according to a statement released on Tuesday. 

The warning comes after another Colorado county, unnamed in the statement, urged its residents to use caution following reports of encounters between third-party representatives and elderly homeowners with delinquent property taxes. 

According to those homeowners, representatives allegedly met with them at their homes, discouraged them from contacting the county treasurer’s office and claimed the treasurer’s office could not or would not help them. 

The affected homeowners also reported that the proposed assistance required them to sign a deed transferring ownership of their property, presented as a way to protect the homeowner’s credit. 

“Based on conversations with county officials, the homeowners reportedly did not understand that signing the documents could transfer their entire ownership interest rather than establish a loan or payment arrangement,” states the news release. “The reported encounters have been referred to the appropriate officials for review. No determination of wrongdoing has been made.”

In the statement, Routt County Treasurer and Public Trustee Lane Iacovetto encouraged local residents to contact the treasurer’s office directly before signing any documents from a third party related to delinquent property taxes.  

“I was elected to serve the property owners of Routt County. My office is here to help you understand your options, make informed decisions and protect your property interests,” said Iacovetto. 

“No property owner should feel pressured to sign a deed or be discouraged from speaking directly with the treasurer’s office,” she continued. “A deed is not a loan — it can transfer ownership of your property.”

The Routt County Treasurer’s Office recommends that property owners take the following precautions: 

• Contact the treasurer’s office directly to verify the amount owed and discuss available options. 
• Do not sign a deed or property-transfer document without fully understanding its legal effect. 
• Never allow anyone to pressure or rush you into signing documents involving your home. 
• Seek advice from an independent attorney, trusted family member or legitimate legal-aid organization. 
• Do not rely solely on advice from someone who may financially benefit from the transaction. 
• Report suspected fraud or exploitation of an at-risk adult to local law enforcement.

Property owners do not need a private company’s permission to communicate with the treasurer’s office. The office can provide accurate information about delinquent taxes, payment requirements, redemption rights and applicable deadlines.