08/07/2026
The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) is warning Oregonians about a scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers.
In these scams, workers are contacted by phone, email, social media apps such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, or video calls. Scammers try to convince workers to appear at an online workers’ compensation hearing. Later, workers are told they must pay money to receive their workers’ compensation benefits or the settlement money for their claim. These communications may appear official and the hearings may include a fake judge, attorney, or government representative. The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division (WCD), part of DCBS, and the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will never ask anyone to pay to receive benefits.
Here’s what you should know:
• WCD, WCB, and insurance companies do not ask for payment to release workers’ compensation benefits. Never pay money up front for benefits or settlements.
• WCD and WCB will never ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Be skeptical of any requests for payment.
• Official communications from WCD and WCB will not pressure you to act or pay immediately.
• WCB, which conducts workers’ compensation hearings, does not charge or collect fees for hearings or mediation.
• WCB does not use social media or applications such as Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to communicate with parties about hearings or mediations.
If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, do not send money or personal information. Verify before you act by contacting the Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers by phone at 800-927-1271 (toll-free) or email at [email protected].
For more information, read the press release at https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/DCBS/Posts/Post/scam-targeting-injured-workers.