Okla. Workers’ Compensation Commission Warns of Scam Targeting Injured Workers

The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission is alerting residents of a scam targeting injured workers.

Scammers have contacted injured workers by phone, text message, or social media by claiming to be a workers’ compensation attorney, according to the commission. The scammer tells the worker they have won a case and are entitled to a large settlement but must send a payment upfront (often called a tax or case fee) before any money be collected.

The OWCC said some workers are sent a link to what purports be an official virtual court hearing. This fraudulent hearing may even include a false judge in robes, and others pretending to be attorneys or court bailiffs, the OWCC said.

The OWCC clarified it holds hearings in person at courts in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The commission does not send out notices via text message or social media and will never request payment by phone, text, wire transfer, gift card, or payment app.

“Official communications from the Commission will not pressure you to act or pay immediately,” the OWCC said. “Requests for payment by phone, text, email, wire transfer, gift card, or app-based payment should be treated as a warning sign of fraud.”

Injured workers who may have been targeted are encouraged to contact their attorney or claims adjuster.

Source: Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission