Fraud Investigation

May 18, 2026
Sheriff's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS

RELEASE

Contact: Cpt. Heidi Gardner

Phone: (608) 284-6175

Fraud Investigation

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of a scam involving callers falsely claiming to be Deputies with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Jail Diversion Team.

In these cases, victims receive phone calls stating that the Sheriff’s Office needs a payment — typically between $600 and $1,000 — in order for a relative to be placed on the bracelet program. The callers often instruct victims to download an app on their phone and use it to send the money.

Scammers impersonating local law enforcement have targeted residents for several years. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public that we do not request payment by phone or email unless a resident has a signed payment agreement on file and our office is contacting them directly regarding that agreement. If you receive a scam call demanding payment for a "jail diversion program" or bail, hang up immediately. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, your state attorney general, and local police. Law enforcement and courts do not demand payment over the phone for resident release.

“These scammers prey on fear and trust, and the emotional impact can last much longer than the financial loss,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “We will continue to educate the community about these scams, but we need everyone’s help. Share this information with friends and family so no one else has to suffer the consequences of these predators.”