OSHA impostors target C.O. construction sites, demand ‘fine’ payments

COBA works to tackle construction site scams

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ ) -- Construction sites in Oregon have been allowed to remain open, unlike other states like Washington, but many builders at a variety of job sites have become the victim of a scam.

Impostors posing as Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) officials have been entering job sites, claiming the workers have violated state safety regulations. They are demanding these fines be paid on site immediately, as OSHA reported this week.

This is a statewide problem, but the most recent scam in Central Oregon took place just days ago. The Central Oregon Builders Association is asking that you take pictures of license plates and business cards if someone claiming to be from OSHA appears at a work site. 

OSHA is doing more inspections, but assured it will not ask for money on the spot for alleged violations.

"This is a bad time for this to be happening," Karna Gustafson, vice president of government affairs for COBA, said Thursday. "Unfortunately, people do take advantage of unsuspecting people. It's really unfortunate, given this national health crisis, to have people using it as a scamming opportunity. A lot of people are already hurt, and they don't need to be hurt along with this."

To protect yourself ask for ID, ask for a document in writing from an OSHA official, request a copy of the regulation they claim you've violated, and always ask for a supervisor. For more information, visit COBA and OSHA to file a complaint or to find out more ways to avoid a potential scam.