Scam Alert: Phishing Emails Impersonating Napa County Officials

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Napa County officials are warning residents and business owners about fraudsters posing as Napa county departments and staff, sending emails that demand payment and, in some cases, have resulted in losses of thousands of dollars.

The most recent incidents involve scammers impersonating the County’s Planning, Building, and Environmental Services Department, according to the Napa County District Attorney's Office. The fraudulent emails request wire transfers or other payments for permits or applications and are designed to closely resemble legitimate County communications.

County officials say the scam is part of a broader rise in sophisticated phishing attempts targeting local governments and their constituents. The emails often create a sense of urgency and appear official, but the County does not request payments through unsolicited emails or demand wire transfers.

Anyone who receives an unexpected payment request claiming to be from the County should pause and verify the authenticity of the sender and message. Residents and business owners should contact the relevant department directly using phone numbers, or contact information they already know to be legitimate, rather than responding to the email.

The warning should be shared widely to help prevent additional victims.

More information about the scam and how to protect yourself is available on the County’s website.