MADISON, Wis. — The Dane County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam in which callers impersonate deputies and demand bail payments for people who have recently been jailed. The callers appear to be using names taken from public jail-booking records. Investigators say they have also spoofed the Sheriff’s Office phone number, making the calls appear more legitimate, and have posed as actual deputies while pressuring relatives to pay quickly. The Sheriff’s Office said it has received reports of the calls multiple times over the past three weeks. The scheme relies on fear and urgency, officials said, exploiting families’ concern for a loved one who has been arrested. “Share this message so that we can prevent the next person from becoming a victim,” Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said. “These scammers are trying to take advantage of our emotions and our family members being in unfortunate circumstances.” The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that its employees will not call to demand bail money or request personal banking information by phone. Bail may be posted only in person at the detention facility, officials said. Anyone who receives a suspicious call should end it immediately and contact local law enforcement. Residents should not provide banking details or send money based on an unexpected demand from someone claiming to be a deputy.