WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Scammers are targeting families of newly arrested individuals in McLennan County, posing as sheriff's deputies and demanding payment for fraudulent release programs.

Officials say callers monitor public jail booking records, find contact information for relatives online, and reach out before families have had a chance to speak with the person in custody.

The callers often spoof the McLennan County Sheriff's Office phone number and use the names of actual employees to make the scheme appear legitimate.