Officials Warn of Workers' Comp Scams Targeting Injured Workers

Scammers impersonating government agencies to extort money from victims

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled workers' compensation form or damaged ID card, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty, investigative nature of these scams targeting injured workers.Scammers' tactics to exploit injured workers expose vulnerabilities in the workers' compensation system.Salt Lake City Today

Labor officials across several states are warning workers about a new scam targeting individuals who have filed workers' compensation claims. The scammers are impersonating representatives from government agencies like the U.S. Department of Labor and state workers' compensation divisions, using tactics like text messages, phone calls, and fake online hearings to convince injured workers to pay fees in order to receive their benefits.

Why it matters

These scams prey on vulnerable workers who have already suffered injuries and are trying to navigate the workers' compensation system. Falling victim can result in further financial hardship for the workers and their families. Raising awareness about the tactics used by the scammers is crucial to protect injured workers from being exploited.

The details

The scammers use official-looking logos and pose as attorneys, judges, and government officials to lend an air of legitimacy to their demands for upfront payments. They may even host fake online hearings with people pretending to be judges and attorneys. Once the workers participate, they are told they have to pay money to receive their benefits or settle their claims.

  • In late February, the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation issued a warning about the scam.
  • In February, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services first warned about the scams targeting workers in Idaho and Montana.
  • Within the last two weeks, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries confirmed at least one case of the scam occurring in Oregon.

The players

Eric Olsen

Communications director for the Utah Labor Commission.

Christina Stephenson

Commissioner of the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.

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What they’re saying

“We want Utahns to know that this is a scam. No legitimate workers' compensation process requires upfront payment to receive benefits.”

— Eric Olsen, Communications director, Utah Labor Commission

“When workers know their rights, they are less vulnerable to fraud. We want every Oregonian to have the tools to spot these scams and protect themselves.”

— Christina Stephenson, Commissioner, Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries

What’s next

Officials in Utah, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas are urging workers to verify any communication about their claims directly with their state's workers' compensation agency using the contact information on the agency's website. They also recommend reporting any suspected scam activity to local law enforcement and state consumer protection agencies.

The takeaway

These scams highlight the need for greater education and awareness around workers' compensation processes to protect vulnerable injured workers from exploitation. Agencies are working to spread the word and empower workers to spot and report suspicious activity.