[Archived] Solicitation Letters to Property Owners Not Authorized by City

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

For Immediate Release
September 8, 2004
PIO 214-04/bg

Solicitation Letters to Property Owners
Are Not Authorized by City of Alexandria

City officials have learned that many Alexandria property owners have received solicitation letters concerning delinquent property taxes from an out-of-state company, Multi-Fund of Columbus, Inc. These letters state that the property owner is in danger of losing his or her home because of delinquent property taxes that have been, or are about to be, sold to a collection agency. For the vast majority of cases, this is not true. In addition, the letters state that tax lien holders have the right to foreclose on the home owner’s property. This company offers to “restructure finances” by providing a loan with an escrow account.

Multi-Fund of Columbus, Inc., is not employed by the City of Alexandria and is in no way authorized to represent the City to assist in the collection of any outstanding property taxes. The City of Alexandria does not sell real estate tax liens to outside persons or agencies. The majority of property owners who have been subject to this solicitation currently have no delinquent property taxes due the City of Alexandria and are paid up to date.

City staff contact property owners with delinquent tax accounts directly (throughout the year) before any collection action is taken. Anyone who has received the solicitation from Multi Fund of Columbus, Inc., or who has questions concerning the status of their real property tax accounts with the City of Alexandria, should contact the City of Alexandria Tax Services Branch at 703.838.4570 for assistance.