The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission has issued a warning about a sophisticated nationwide workers’ compensation fraud scheme that is targeting injured workers.
Although no confirmed cases have been reported in Virginia, officials are urging the public to stay alert and informed—especially as scammers become more convincing and technologically advanced.
At RescueMeds, protecting injured workers goes beyond medication access. It includes helping you recognize and avoid dangerous scams.
How the Workers’ Compensation Scam Works
In other states, scammers have used highly coordinated tactics to trick workers into giving up money and personal information.
Common methods include:
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Contacting victims by phone, email, or video call
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Claiming workers must pay fees to receive benefits or settlements
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Pretending to be judges, attorneys, or government officials
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Scheduling fake hearings on WhatsApp
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Creating staged “court” proceedings with actors
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Requesting Social Security numbers, banking details, or IDs
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Demanding payment after the fake hearing
Some victims had legitimate workers’ compensation claims. Others did not—making this scam even more dangerous.
Notably, Spanish-speaking individuals have been frequently targeted.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if you receive any message that:
⚠️ Demands payment for benefits
⚠️ Pressures you to act immediately
⚠️ Uses WhatsApp for hearings
⚠️ Requests gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto
⚠️ Claims you must “pay to settle”
⚠️ Asks for personal information unexpectedly
If something feels urgent or unusual, pause and verify before responding.
How Official Virginia Workers’ Comp Processes Work
Understanding how legitimate communications work is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
The Commission Will Always:
✔ Send hearing notices by official written letter
✔ Use Virginia-based addresses and area codes
✔ Hold virtual hearings only on WebEx
✔ Provide official forms on https://workcomp.virginia.gov
✔ Work with Virginia-licensed attorneys
The Commission Will Never:
❌ Ask for payment to release benefits
❌ Request gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
❌ Pressure immediate action
❌ Conduct hearings on WhatsApp
❌ Demand fees for settlements
If any communication contradicts these rules, it is likely fraudulent.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message
If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate:
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Do not send money or information
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Do not click suspicious links
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Verify before responding
Contact the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Customer Service Team:
By Phone: 877-664-2566
By e-mail: [email protected]
They can help confirm whether a communication is real.
How to Report a Suspected Scam
Early reporting helps protect others from becoming victims.
If you believe you’ve been targeted:
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Report the incident to local law enforcement
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Preserve emails, texts, voicemails, and screenshots
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Save payment requests and receipts
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Document dates and contact details
This information may be critical for investigations.
Why This Matters for Injured Workers
Workers’ compensation claims can already be stressful. Scammers exploit that vulnerability—especially when people are injured, missing work, or worried about finances.
Falling victim to fraud can lead to:
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Financial loss
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Identity theft
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Delayed medical care
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Interrupted benefits
Staying informed is your strongest defense.
