Protecting Spanish-Speaking Workers from a New Workers’ Compensation Scam
Maryland residents should be aware of a new scam targeting Spanish-speaking injured workers. The Maryland Insurance Administration has issued a consumer alert after Oregon officials uncovered a scheme that has now reached other states, including Maryland. The scam involves fraudsters posing as government or legal authorities to trick individuals into paying for fake workers’ compensation benefits or settlements.
How the Scam Works
Scammers are contacting workers through phone calls, social media, email, and even video meetings, pretending to represent the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) or other official agencies. They often:
- Claim to schedule a fake “online hearing” or “settlement meeting.”
- Pose as judges, lawyers, or workers’ compensation officials.
- Demand payment—sometimes via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—to “release” benefits or finalize a claim.
These communications may look legitimate, but they are completely fraudulent. The WCC never asks for money to grant benefits or hold hearings.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are key signs something isn’t right:
- You’re asked to pay money to get benefits or settle your workers’ compensation claim.
- You’re told to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- You’re pressured to act immediately or threatened with losing benefits.
- You’re invited to a hearing or mediation through social media or other unofficial platforms.
If any of these happen to you—pause before acting and verify the communication.
If You Think You’ve Been Targeted
-
Verify before taking any action. Contact Stacey L. Roig at the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission at 410‑864‑5298 to confirm if an official communication is real.
-
Report the fraud. File a complaint with your local law enforcement and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
-
If an “insurance representative” threatens you or demands payment, reach out to the Maryland Insurance Administration by calling 800‑846‑4069 or emailing the Insurance Fraud and Producer Enforcement Division.
Staying Informed
The Maryland Insurance Administration continues to share updates on fraud prevention and consumer protection. For the full advisory about this scam, visit the MIA’s website here: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/advisory/Oregon-Spanish-Scam.aspx
Educating workers—especially those in multilingual communities—is essential to stopping scams like this. If you or someone you know has questions about workers’ compensation or suspects a scam, verify directly with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission or the Maryland Insurance Administration before responding to any suspicious messages.
Stay alert, stay informed, and remind others that official agencies will never ask for payment to process a workers’ compensation claim.
