The Maryland Comptroller's Office is warning about fraudulent notices sent to taxpayers informing them that their property may be subject to seizure due to unpaid debts.

The Comptroller's Office said it hasn't sent such notices, which are often inaccurate and use fraudulent language, text or logos that suggest they are affiliated with a state agency.

The schemes are often a ruse to try to trick taxpayers into sharing personal or financial information and to take their money.

Marylanders are warned to remain vigilant of suspicious solicitations related to taxpayer information, Social Security numbers, tax liens and debts.

Anyone who receives such a notice who believes they may owe debts to the state can call the Comptroller's Office at 888-674-0016 to verify the status of such debts.

Anyone who owes back taxes will receive a formal letter from the Comptroller's Office on official letterhead via the mail. The Comptroller's Office also uses two outside collection agencies — IC System Inc. and Penn Credit — whose information is listed on the comptroller's website.

Like the Internal Revenue Service, the Maryland Comptroller's Office said it will never:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer.
• Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
• Demand the payment of taxes without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
• Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.