Bail Scam

August 20, 2026
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office wants to alert the public about a scam targeting families of individuals recently booked into the Dane County Jail.

Jail bookings are public information, and scammers are taking advantage of this by calling family members, falsely posing as jail staff, and asking for $4,500 in bail.

The Sheriff’s Office will never request payment for bail or any other fee by phone. If you have been contacted under these circumstances and have paid the scammer, please report it to your local authorities.