The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is warning the public about a worker’s compensation scam targeting injured workers, particularly Spanish-speaking individuals.
Scammers are posing as agencies with names like the “Workers’ Compensation Board” and are inviting victims to fake online hearings through platforms such as Zoom, Teams, or WhatsApp. Victims are led to believe they’ve been awarded money but are then told they must pay fees to receive it.
The Department reminds workers that legitimate worker’s compensation hearings in Wisconsin are scheduled only by mailed letters. Attorneys handling these cases must be licensed in Wisconsin, and official Department phone numbers use Wisconsin area codes.
Anyone who receives suspicious communications is encouraged to contact a DWD worker’s compensation specialist at 608-266-1340. More information about recognizing and reporting fraud is available on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website. Those who believe they’ve been the victim of identity theft should contact the Wisconsin Consumer Protection Hotline immediately.