Napa County officials are alerting taxpayers that several property tax checks that were recently mailed in had been stolen and cashed by someone using a fraudulent name.
The checks were stolen during transit through the U.S. Postal Service, Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector Robert Minahen said Thursday in a news release.
The stolen checks had been washed, removing the Napa County Tax Collector as the payee, and cashed using a fraudulent name, Minahen said.
Taxpayers who recently mailed in their property tax check are encouraged to verify that the payment was received, on the county’s property tax website.
Those who haven’t yet paid are urged to use secure online payment options.
The U.S. Postal Investigation Services is working with local law enforcement on the thefts.
“We urge taxpayers to consider using safer, faster, and more secure payment options to protect themselves from check fraud,” Minahen said.
Taxpayers can access property tax information and make payments by using the QR code printed on their tax bill.
Transaction fees of 2.32% are collected on credit and debit card transactions. E-Check payments are free
In addition, the Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is open for in-person payments from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday leading up to the April 10th due date. County facilities will be closed on March 31.