SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — With the second installment of property taxes approaching, San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Ensen Mason is urging property owners to avoid mailing checks after multiple reports of mail theft and check fraud involving 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. In those cases, the victim was not reimbursed by their bank or the county. San Bernardino County officials say they have also received reports of similar fraudulent activity locally.
In these situations, homeowners do not receive credit for their payments and remain responsible for unpaid taxes, penalties and additional fees.
“With the second installment deadline coming up, I strongly encourage property owners to pay their property taxes online,” said Ensen Mason, San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector. “Mailing a check carries risk. There is no guarantee it will arrive, and taxpayers may be subject to penalties and interest in addition to the loss due to fraud if it is lost or stolen. Once a check is altered, recovery can be extremely difficult. Paying online is the safest and most convenient option.”
High-Risk Payment Methods
According to county officials, mailing checks — particularly from unsecured mailboxes or blue collection boxes — can expose taxpayers to fraud. Thieves may intercept mailed payments, alter payee information and cash checks before the rightful payment is credited.
While the U.S. Postal Service is generally reliable, mail delivery is not guaranteed and can occasionally be lost, adding to the potential risk.
April 10 Second Installment Deadline
The second installment of property taxes is due by Feb. 1, but taxpayers have until April 10 to pay without penalty. Payments received after 5 p.m. on April 10 will be subject to a 10% penalty plus a $10 cost.
County Encourages Online Payments
Mason emphasized that paying property taxes online is the safest and most convenient option, especially as deadlines approach.
Benefits of paying online include:
- Free when done directly from your bank (fees apply if a credit or debit card is used)
- Secure, encrypted payment processing
- Immediate confirmation and receipt
- No risk of mail theft or delivery delays
- 24/7 access from a computer or mobile device
Secure online payments can be made at https://www.sbcountyatc.gov, where taxpayers can also find helpful information and answers to common questions.
“We have worked hard to provide a secure, easy-to-use system that protects taxpayers and makes paying your tax bill a little less taxing,” Mason added. “Our highest priority is protecting public assets while delivering the best possible service to the public.”
Note to readers: If you value our reporting and want to see it continue, consider becoming a monthly supporter. Your contribution helps keep independent, local news accessible to everyone. Support local news today!
