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FedEx Steps Up To The Plate! Score One For The Good Guys/Nigerian Scam Victims Plus: Property Tax Valuation increase Notices Are Coming...Here's How To Challenge Them And Save Some $$$
April 29, 2004
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Dear Ben: I’m in the Executive Office for Federal Express. It’s come to our attention you did a story on April 1 about "Barbara in Dallas" and the thousands of dollars of FedEx billings owed by Richard (her grandson) in shipping charges resulting from a Nigerian scam. We would like to look into the matter for a possible resolution but need to contact Richard (and his mother or grandmother). Please contact me as soon as possible.
Danny Hatcher, Federal Express Corporate Offices, Memphis, TN
Dear Danny: Thanks for your kind offer to investigate this awful situation (covered in this column four weeks ago (as well as on my TV segment for News 8 at 9/Good Morning Texas on WFAA-TV/Channel 8). I spoke with Barbara and asked for her permission to put the two of you together, and she agreed. Thanks again for stepping up to the plate.
Dear Ben: I contacted "Barbara in Dallas" and then her daughter, and discussed this matter thoroughly with them. Apparently a FedEx account had been fraudulently opened in another person’s name using their address. She was unaware of this until bills for FedEx shipping charges began showing up; it appears the scammers also opened fraudulent accounts using their address with UPS, Airborne and the U.S. Postal Service. FedEx has now removed all charges on this fraudulent account and notified our security, billing and legal departments. We are not seeking any payment from Barbara or her grandson: They were victims in this scam, as were we. Thank you Ben for bringing this matter to our attention.
Danny Hatcher, Federal Express Corporate Offices
Dear Danny: FedEx came through big time! (And on several levels.) Not only did you do the right thing by removing these fraudulent charges, but you’ve also put a spotlight on the newest twist from these Nigerian scam artists. Just because a company says you owe them money doesn’t mean it’s true. Last week The New York Times reported that there’s been a rise in fraud, especially games played against small businesses and the amazingly-gullible American consumer. Phony invoices for photocopier toner, yellow pages ads or subscriptions to directories or nonexistent journals continue to rise–and small businesses appear to be favorite targets because their owners are perpetually overwhelmed and distracted...and vulnerable. Check out the latest trends and track the scams-of-the-week on this Federal Trade Commission-related website: www.consumer.gov/sentinel.
Dear Ben: I just wanted to tell you that challenging your property tax appraisal really does work. Over time, persistently protesting over-appraisals can significantly reduce your taxes. Over a ten year period of protesting my tax valuations, I have never once failed to achieve a reduction. Also, a reduced appraisal does not reduce the "value" of your property as "value" is what someone will pay for it! The best grounds for protest which I have found are as follows: foundation or other damage which reduce the potential sale price of your property (bring photos if possible), sales of similar sized properties in the vicinity for less than the proposed tax valuation on your property (hard to get this data unless you are very friendly with a Realtor), or proposed valuations of similar sized properties in the vicinity which are significantly lower than your proposed valuation (this data can be laboriously compiled from the assessment district's own web site). Keep up the good work; I read your column faithfully and pick up good hints regularly.
William O., Carrollton
Dear William: You’re right on all points. This is extremely timely information, since property tax valuation notices begin showing up in mailboxes next week. Just because the tax assessor says your property values have increased doesn’t mean you have to bite the bullet and accept it. Over 60% of Texas property owners are successful in gaining some relief when they protest/challenge increases! I’ve already posted everything you need to know about challenging the tax-man (updated for 2004) right here: www.bendover.com/2004taxes.asp.
Dose of Dover For The Week: Tomorrow (April 30) is the deadline for getting tax exemption forms filed. If you’re not sure if you’ve taken advantage of all of the tax breaks you’ve got coming to you, look-up your property information on-line (easiest method) or contact your county’s tax appraisal office via phone.
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