The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is aware of a multi-state fraud scheme targeting injured workers.
Fraudsters trick people into participating in fake workers’ compensation hearings, leading the injured worker to believe they are being awarded money but are responsible for paying fees to finalize the case.
The scam specifically targets Spanish-speaking workers, with scammers using fake names like the Workers’ Compensation Board and emails using “.org” domains.
Workers are asked to attend an “online workers’ compensation hearing” on video conferencing platforms like Zoom before being led to believe they are participating in a legitimate legal proceeding related to workers’ compensation.
Workers, employers, and insurance carriers should know that the Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Division schedules hearings only through written letters.
Anyone who might have received suspicious communication should contact a workers’ compensation specialist at 608-266-1340.
More details about the scam can be found at dwd.wisconsin.gov/wc/fraud.
