If you have a work injury claim in Minnesota, you may be a target. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and the Court of Administrative Hearings (CAH) have both posted scam alerts. They warn of a sophisticated nationwide scheme aimed at workers with reported job injuries.
How the Scam Works
The scammer contacts an injured worker and claims benefits have been awarded. Sometimes they say a judge ruled in the worker’s favor after a hearing. Other times they claim a settlement was reached for the worker. Then comes the catch: the worker must pay money to release the funds.
These scams can be convincing. According to DLI, scammers may impersonate a judge, an attorney, a state employee, or another government official. Their paperwork may look like it was signed by a real, current judge or sent by a real state agency. If you look the person up online, they may appear legitimate.
Sadly, some Minnesota workers have already sent money to these scammers.
Four Facts That Protect You
1. An attorney cannot get benefits for you without your knowledge. No lawyer can pursue a workers’ compensation claim for you unless you hired them. Once you hire an attorney, that attorney has an ethical duty to keep you informed about your case and any hearings. If someone says they won a hearing or settlement you never knew about, that is a red flag.
2. You never pay upfront to receive benefits. In Minnesota, workers’ compensation attorney fees are paid from the benefits recovered, and the amount is limited by law. You cannot be required to pay upfront for benefits or for legal services that obtained them. Anyone demanding a “processing fee,” “release fee,” or “court cost” before paying you is likely a scammer.
3. You do not have to give out bank account information to get paid. DLI explains that benefits are paid by check through the mail. Workers receiving ongoing wage loss benefits may choose direct deposit, but only through a proper request. No other payment methods are currently allowed under Minnesota workers’ compensation law. Requests to wire money, buy gift cards, or send cryptocurrency are always fraud.
4. You generally do not need to act immediately. Scammers create panic. They may say you will lose your benefits unless you act today. You should report a work injury to your employer as soon as possible, and you should not wait long to pursue a denied claim. But in most cases, you have three years after your employer files the First Report of Injury, and no more than six years from the date of injury, to start a legal action. Real courts and agencies do not demand same-day payment over the phone.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- A call, text, or email saying you won a settlement or award you did not know about
- Any request for money before you can receive benefits
- Pressure to act right away
- Requests for bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords
- Payment requests by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, or cryptocurrency
- A “lawyer” you never hired, or a “judge” contacting you directly
What to Do If You Are Contacted
Do not send money or personal information. Hang up and call your own attorney at a phone number you already know is correct. If you do not have an attorney, contact the DLI Workers’ Compensation Help Desk at 651-284-5005 or 800-342-5354 (press 3). DLI also encourages workers to report scams to local law enforcement and to file a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.
If You Already Sent Money
Contact your bank or payment provider right away. Report the incident to police and the Attorney General’s Office. Then get your real claim back on track. The scam does not change your legal rights to workers’ compensation benefits.
Work With a Real, Local Law Firm
Mottaz & Sisk Injury Law has represented injured Minnesota workers for decades. We will never ask you to pay upfront. We work on a contingency fee, do not bill clients for costs, and keep you informed at every step. Our offices are in Coon Rapids, Shakopee, St. Cloud, and Woodbury. Call 763-421-8226 for a free consultation, or to check whether a message you received is genuine.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is unique, and results may vary. Consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.
