NAPA, CA — Napa County officials are urging local residents and business owners to be on high alert as a growing phishing scam has been reported across the region. Fraudsters are impersonating county departments and staff, attempting to deceive individuals into making fraudulent payments.
In the most recent instance of the scam, perpetrators posed as representatives from the county’s Planning, Building, and Environmental Services Department. They sent emails requesting wire transfers or payments for permits and applications. While these emails may appear legitimate, they are part of a sophisticated scam designed to steal money and personal information.
According to Napa County officials, the scam has already resulted in victims losing thousands of dollars. The fraudulent emails often mimic the style and tone of official correspondence, making it difficult for recipients to spot the deception.
County officials have provided clear guidance for residents and business owners to help protect themselves. The key indicator of a scam email is the sender’s email address. Any official communication from Napa County will come from an address ending in @countyofnapa.org. Emails from generic domains, such as @usa.com, should be considered suspicious.
“Residents should be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails requesting financial information or payments,” said a spokesperson from Napa County. “We encourage everyone to verify the sender’s email address and to reach out to us directly if they have any doubts.”
Authorities recommend that recipients of suspicious emails refrain from opening them, clicking on any links, or responding to the message. Instead, they should contact the county directly using official contact information provided on the Napa County website.
For inquiries related to the Planning, Building, and Environmental Services Department, residents can reach out by calling 707-253-4417 or emailing planning@countyofnapa.org. Additionally, any suspected phishing attempts should be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Napa County officials are taking steps to raise awareness and protect residents from further financial harm. As this scam continues to target unsuspecting individuals, county representatives are stressing the importance of vigilance and verification when receiving unsolicited communications.
This alert serves as a reminder to always verify the legitimacy of any email request for personal or financial information, especially when it involves significant payments.