A sophisticated scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers is ongoing in Oregon, authorities are warning.
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is warning people the scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers in Oregon and around the country involves workers being contacted by phone, email, social media apps or video calls.
Scammers attempt to convince workers to appear at an online workers’ compensation hearing, which at times results in an official-appearing order in their favor. Workers are then told they must pay money to receive the workers’ comp benefits or settlement money. These communications can appear official, and hearings may include a fake judge, attorney or government representative, the DCBS says.
Related: WCIRB: California Comp Premium Leveled off, But CT Claims Frequency Rose
The DCBS, the Workers’ Compensation Board or insurers never ask anyone to pay to receive benefits. Official communications from WCD and WCB do not pressure people to act or pay immediately.
Additionally, WCB, which conducts workers’ comp hearings, does not charge or collect fees for hearings or mediation, and it does not use social media or applications such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with parties about hearings or mediations, DCBS warns.
Consumers can verify questionable communications by contacting the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers at (800) 927-1271 or email at oow.questions@dcbs.oregon.gov.
Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation
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