The Oregon Department of Justice warned on April 15 that scammers are targeting Spanish-speaking workers in Oregon who have pending workers’ compensation claims. The department said fraudsters are pretending to be government agencies or law firms, telling victims they have won their claims and then demanding payment before delivering any benefits.
Attorney General Dan Rayfield said, “This scam is predatory in the worst way – it targets workers who are already injured and waiting for help they are legally owed. These families deserve protection, not exploitation. Anyone who preys on workers in that position should know that we take it seriously.”
According to the DOJ, there has been at least one confirmed case of this scam in Oregon. Victims who send money do not receive any benefits and lose their payment as the scammers disappear after collecting funds.
The scheme works by identifying people with pending claims and contacting them through phone calls, emails, or social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. In some cases, scammers even stage fake video hearings to appear legitimate. Victims are told they must deposit money into an account before receiving a settlement or benefits. Once payment is made, all contact from the scammer ends.
Warning signs include requests for upfront payments to access compensation benefits or settlements; contacts through social media claiming to represent government agencies or law firms; pressure for immediate action; and messages saying a claim has been won but requires a deposit first. The DOJ emphasized that real government agencies do not ask for money upfront before providing owed benefits.
Anyone receiving suspicious communications about a workers’ compensation claim is urged to contact the Oregon DOJ Consumer Protection Hotline at 877-877-9392, email the Bureau of Labor and Industries at BOLI_help@boli.oregon.gov, call the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers at 800-927-1271, or report scams online at oregonconsumer.gov.
