Scammers falsely claim to represent the WCA, courts, attorneys or judges to demand payment from injured workers
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Workers’ Compensation Administration warns New Mexicans against scams targeting injured workers by falsely claiming they must pay to receive workers’ compensation benefits or resolve a claim.
The New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration (WCA) has received a report of a scam involving individuals who falsely claim to represent the WCA, a judge, an attorney or the courts. Workers may be contacted by phone, email, text message or video call and may be pressured to send money.
“These scams are especially concerning because they target people who may already be dealing with an injury, a claim and uncertainty about what comes next,” said Alexis Armijo, acting director of the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration. “If someone contacts you and demands payment to receive workers’ compensation benefits or resolve a claim, stop and verify before sending money or personal information.” The WCA will never ask workers to pay by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or similar payment methods. Official communications from the WCA will not pressure workers to act immediately or threaten them if they do not send payment.
Workers should be cautious if they receive a message that feels urgent, threatening or suspicious. Before responding, sending money or sharing personal information, workers are encouraged to contact the WCA Ombudsman Program for help verifying the status of a workers’ compensation claim.
WCA Ombudsmen provide free, neutral assistance to workers and employers.
Workers and employers can contact a WCA Ombudsman at: Phone: 1-866-967-5667 Email: Ombudsman.Outreach@wca.nm.gov
Anyone who believes they have been contacted by a scammer should save emails, text messages, voicemails, payment requests and other evidence. Suspected scams should also be reported to local law enforcement and to the New Mexico Department of Justice.