State DWD Warns of Sophisticated Email Scam

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A new scam is going around—this one involving the Department of Workforce Development. According to officials, DWD has received reports of a sophisticated email scam attempting to take advantage of injured workers in Wisconsin by scheduling fraudulent worker’s compensation hearings.

The scam originated from a fake account called the “Workers’ Compensation Board” with emails coming from the domain “@workcompcourt.org” convincing the recipient to set up an “online worker’s compensation hearing” on the WhatsApp platform. The fraudulent hearing involved a false judge, bailiff, attorney, and prosecutor mimicking a court proceeding. The fraudsters attempted to obtain personal identifying information and payment from the worker for fees and costs.

The DWD says Worker’s Compensation Division schedules hearings only through written letter. All attorneys handling worker’s compensation cases in Wisconsin must be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.  All telephone numbers on correspondence from the Department of Workforce Development will have Wisconsin area codes.

If you’ve been approached, then a report form is available through this link.