From the scam file: I received a delightful letter yesterday from an outfit in Granada Hills, California called Property Tax Adjusters. The fine folks there told me that they believe that Laquedem Manor "may be over assessed for property tax purposes" and (they said) "a REQUEST FOR PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENT is available to you" that might save me $1500/year. If I send them a service fee of $189, they will prepare, sign, and file an application to reduce my property tax assessment for the current tax year, or, if they determine that I do not qualify for a reduction, they will refund my $189.
Two little problems: first, the figure they quote as Laquedem Manor's assessed value is not in fact its assessed value, but what Mrs. Laquedem and I paid for the place 15 years ago. It's worth about twice that today, even to the jaded eye of an indicted bank appraiser. Second, the deadline to appeal assessments for the current tax year was December 31, 2009. It's too late to file an appeal.
Even though it won't draw $189 from the Laquedem treasury, it's an engaging letter. I might send it to Mr. Kroger and see what he makes of it.