Oregon officials warn of workers’ compensation scam targeting Spanish-speaking employees
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is warning Spanish-speaking workers about a scam targeting injured employees in several states, including Oregon and nearby Idaho and Montana.
According to the agency, scammers are contacting workers through phone calls, emails, and social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. They often pose as official representatives and convince victims to attend fake online workers’ compensation hearings. Afterward, victims are told to pay money to receive benefits or settlements.
Officials say the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division and the Workers’ Compensation Board never charge for hearings, benefits, or mediation. They also don’t request payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Workers are urged to be skeptical of any payment requests and to verify communications before sending money or personal information. Anyone unsure about a contact can reach the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers at 800-927-1271 or by email at oow.questions@dcbs.oregon.gov.
People who suspect a scam should report it to local law enforcement, the Oregon Department of Justice’s fraud hotline at 1-877-877-9392, or the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation if the scam involves someone claiming to represent an insurance company.
