If you have an open worker’s compensation claim in Wisconsin, you may receive calls, emails, or messages from individuals claiming they are involved in your case. While some communications may be legitimate, injured workers should know that scammers have recently begun targeting individuals with worker’s compensation claims.
Reports have described scams in which individuals impersonate government officials, judges, attorneys, or other worker’s compensation professionals. In some cases, injured workers have been invited to participate in what appears to be an official hearing through video conferencing platforms or messaging applications. During these fake proceedings, the victim may be told they have been awarded benefits or a settlement.
The catch is that the victim is then instructed to pay a fee, transfer money, purchase gift cards, or provide sensitive personal information before receiving the supposed award. These requests are not part of Wisconsin's worker’s compensation process.
What an Actual Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Proceeding Looks Like
Wisconsin worker’s compensation disputes are handled through established legal procedures. If a hearing is scheduled, parties generally receive a formal written notice containing the relevant date, time, and location or instructions for participation. The notice will be sent directly by the Department of Workforce Development Division of Worker’s Compensation and will contain official contact information. Importantly, these hearings will almost always be in-person and NOT remotely. If you’d like to learn more about what to expect from a worker’s compensation hearing, please see Atty. Brook Tylka’s blog post on the subject.
Judges, attorneys, insurance representatives, and state agencies do not require injured workers to pay upfront fees to receive worker’s compensation benefits. Likewise, no legitimate government agency will ask you to send money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer payment apps, or wire transfers in order to release benefits.
If you are represented by an attorney, your attorney should also be aware of scheduled hearings and significant developments in your case. You should always contact your attorney to confirm the legitimacy of any communication that you receive in relation to your claim.
How to Spot a Scam
Be cautious if you are contacted by someone who:
- Provides notice for a remote or virtual hearing, rather than in-person.
- Claims you have won compensation but must pay money before receiving it.
- Pressures you to act immediately or threatens you if you refuse.
- Asks for banking information, Social Security numbers, passwords, or verification codes without a legitimate reason.
- Directs you to communicate only through messaging applications or unofficial email accounts.
- Claims to represent a government agency but cannot verify their identity or provide legitimate contact information.
What You Should Do
If you receive a suspicious communication:
- Do not send money.
- Do not provide personal or financial information until you have confirmed the person's identity.
- Contact your attorney, if you have one, before responding.
- If you are not represented, contact the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development using publicly listed contact information to verify whether the communication is legitimate.
- If you are not represented, contact Hawks Quindel and ask to speak to a worker’s compensation attorney.
- Keep copies of suspicious emails, text messages, or voicemail messages, as they may be useful if the incident is reported.
Staying Informed Protects Your Rights
Worker’s compensation can be a confusing process. Understanding how legitimate claims are handled—and knowing that official agencies do not require payment to release benefits—can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. If something about a communication feels unusual, take the time to verify it through official channels before taking any action.
Hawks Quindel, S.C. worker’s compensation attorneys like Gabriel Manzano Nieves, may be able to provide you with a free consultation if you reach out to our firm with any questions about your worker’s compensation claim or case. If you have a pending claim or case, are not represented by any attorney, and are concerned that you may have been targeted by scammers, feel free to call our office at 608-257-0040.