As the second installment of property taxes approaches, San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason is warning property owners to be aware of the potential of lost and stolen tax payments, following multiple reports of mail theft and check fraud involving mailed tax payments.
Recent ABC7 news coverage highlighted cases in Santa Clara County in which property tax checks were stolen from the mail, altered, and fraudulently cashed. The victim was not reimbursed by their bank or the county. Our office has also received reports of similar fraudulent activity. In these situations, homeowners do not receive credit for their payments and remain responsible for unpaid taxes, penalties, and additional fees.