Mecklenburg County Warns Of Property Tax Scam
MECKLENBURG COUNTY WARNS OF PROPERTY TAX SCAM
Mecklenburg County warns of a property tax scam. Homeowners are being alerted to a new scam involving fraudulent property tax letters that are being mailed to residents. These letters falsely claim that the recipient owes delinquent property taxes and must make an immediate payment to avoid consequences. The correspondence typically includes a phone number and urges the recipient to call without delay.
This scam is not affiliated in any way with Mecklenburg County or the Office of the Tax Collector. The County is taking this matter seriously and is working to inform and protect residents from falling victim to this deceptive scheme.
Mecklenburg County includes the City of Charlotte and the Towns of Pineville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson.
DETAILS OF THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY PROPERTY TAX SCAM
The scam involves the use of official-sounding letters designed to mimic legitimate tax notices. While they may appear convincing, these documents are entirely fraudulent. Here are the key characteristics of the scam:
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False Accusations of Delinquency: The letters assert that recipients owe unpaid property taxes and claim that urgent action is required to avoid penalties, legal action, or property seizure.
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Pressure for Immediate Payment: Scammers create a sense of urgency, demanding that payment be made immediately. In many cases, they provide a phone number and insist the recipient call right away.
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Use of Public Records: It is believed that the scammers may be exploiting publicly available information—such as names, addresses, and tax delinquency records—to give the impression of legitimacy and increase the likelihood of success.
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No County Affiliation: Mecklenburg County officials have confirmed that the letters are not from any county department, and no legitimate agency would request payment in this manner.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BECOMING A VICTIM OF THIS PROPERTY TAX SCAM
Mecklenburg County homeowners are urged to remain cautious and take the following steps to safeguard their personal information and finances:
1. Verify Your Tax Status
If you receive a suspicious notice regarding your property taxes, do not respond to the letter or call the number listed. Instead, verify your tax status directly through Mecklenburg County’s official online portal: https://Tax.MeckNC.gov. This secure site allows residents to view current tax information and ensure their account is in good standing.
2. Recognize Red Flags
Be skeptical of letters that:
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Demand immediate action or payment.
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Threaten legal consequences or property seizure if payment is not made right away.
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Ask for payment over the phone or request personal financial information. Legitimate tax notices from Mecklenburg County will not contain these kinds of aggressive tactics.
3. Contact the County to Confirm Authenticity
If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a notice you receive, contact the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office or the Office of the Tax Collector directly. They can confirm whether any tax obligations exist and advise you on next steps.
4. Report Fraudulent Activity
If you believe you’ve received a scam letter or have already been affected by the scam, it’s important to report the incident promptly. You can contact the North Carolina Department of Justice by phone at (877) 5-NO-SCAM or submit a complaint online via their official website: https://ncdoj.gov/complaint.
STAY INFORMED. STAY VIGILANT.
Mecklenburg County urges homeowners to remain alert and share this information with neighbors, friends, and family—especially seniors and other vulnerable populations who may be more susceptible to these types of scams. Public awareness is a key defense against fraud.
If you have questions or need help accessing your tax records online, county staff are available to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. For more updates and resources, follow Mecklenburg County’s official website and social media channels.
