Scam Mail Targeting Property Owners, Sandoval County Officials Warn

Sandoval County authorities have renewed warnings about deceptive mailers that imitate county tax bills and property record notices and ask residents to send money for services that are available directly from county offices. Local reporting and the County Treasurer have alerted homeowners after investigators identified sample mailings that ask recipients to send a payment of one hundred nine dollars to receive a property assessment profile.

The fraud uses familiar, official sounding language and formatting to create a false impression of legitimacy. Because the documents can resemble legitimate county communications, officials emphasize that mailers claiming to be from the county should be scrutinized carefully. The County Treasurer and the County Clerk provide official property and tax documents and do not require payments to out of state P.O. boxes.

Residents are advised to check for county letterhead and a clear identification of the sending office on any official correspondence. If a mailer prompts concern, callers should use the phone numbers posted on the county’s official website rather than any phone number printed on a suspicious mail piece. Never send payment to an unfamiliar out of state P.O. box or call an unverified number listed on a doubtful mailer.

If you are unsure about a charge or a request, confirm fees and procedures directly with the County Treasurer or County Clerk using contact information from the county website. Reporting suspected mail fraud helps protect the community. Local law enforcement and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service accept reports of mail fraud, and residents who suspect they have received a fraudulent notice should contact those agencies promptly.

Local media coverage, including an explanatory piece from KOAT with examples and official guidance, has outlined what to look for and how to respond. The pattern in Sandoval County reflects a broader trend in which scammers exploit trusted public processes to extract payments or personal information, making vigilance important for people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Sandoval County residents, the practical consequences can include lost money, stress, and risks to personal information. Neighbors, family members, and caretakers are encouraged to check mailings received by elderly or otherwise vulnerable residents. Confirming information with county offices remains the best defense, and reporting suspicious mail helps authorities track and stop fraudulent campaigns.