NAPA COUNTY, Calif. — County officials issued a warning Wednesday about a growing wave of phishing scams targeting residents and businesses across Napa County, with perpetrators falsely posing as employees from various government departments.
In a statement released to the public, county officials described the scam as “escalating” in both frequency and sophistication. Victims have reportedly lost thousands of dollars after receiving fraudulent communications designed to appear as legitimate correspondence from county agencies.
One recent incident involved individuals impersonating the Napa County Planning, Building and Environmental Services department. According to the release, scammers sent out emails that closely mimicked official communications, requesting wire transfers and payments for fictitious permits and application fees.
“These scammers are getting more brazen and more sophisticated,” county spokesperson Laura Smith said. “They’re exploiting the trust residents have in their local government and causing real financial harm.”
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and verify any unexpected payment requests by contacting the relevant county department directly through verified phone numbers or official websites. County officials emphasized that they never request payments via wire transfer or over email.
The county is collaborating with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the incidents and trace the sources of the fraudulent messages. Officials are also working to bolster cybersecurity measures and educate the public on how to recognize and report phishing attempts.
Anyone who believes they have received a suspicious message or fallen victim to a scam is encouraged to report it to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office or the Federal Trade Commission.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the county’s official website at www.countyofnapa.org.