Jason Hiller November 10, 2026 4 min read

Fraud Alert: Wisconsin Workers Targeted by Fake Worker's Compensation Hearings

Scammers are targeting people at an especially vulnerable moment: after a workplace injury.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Worker's Compensation Fraud Alert is warning Wisconsin workers, employers and insurance providers about a sophisticated email scam involving fraudulent worker’s compensation hearings.

What to watch for

According to DWD, the scam originated from a fake account calling itself the “Workers' Compensation Board.” Emails from@workcompcourt.org have directed recipients to participate in an “online worker’s compensation hearing” using WhatsApp.

The scheme goes beyond a suspicious email. DWD reports that the fraudulent proceedings have included people posing as a judge, bailiff, attorney and prosecutor to mimic an actual court proceeding. The scammers then attempted to obtain personal identifying information and payment for supposed fees and costs.

How to recognize legitimate DWD communication

There are several important signs that can help Wisconsin workers and employers distinguish legitimate communication from a scam.

The Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division says it will not:

Ask you to pay fees
Urge you to act immediately
Contact you through text or another direct-messaging platform
Send email from a .org domain such as workcompcourt.org

The Division will hold hearings in person, send printed hearing notices through the U.S. Postal Service and use email addresses ending in@dwd.wisconsin.gov. DWD also notes that its correspondence uses phone numbers with Wisconsin area codes.

What to do if you receive a suspicious message

Do not provide personal information or make a payment.

If you aren't sure whether a request actually came from the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division, DWD recommends contacting a Worker’s Compensation specialist directly at 608-266-1340. Official forms should come from a website beginning with https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/.

If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft, DWD directs Wisconsin residents to the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or DATCPHotline@Wisconsin.gov.

Help protect your employees

Employers should share this warning with the people who may encounter the scam, including employees with active worker’s compensation claims and team members who help manage those claims.

A convincing message can be easier to spot when people know what legitimate communication should look like. Taking a few minutes to make your team aware of these warning signs could help prevent someone from sharing sensitive information or sending money to a fraudster.

For additional details and information about reporting suspected fraud, visit the Wisconsin DWD Worker’s Compensation Fraud page.

Jason Hiller

Jason Hiller, WCLS, is a Senior Claims Executive at Hausmann Group, where he is recognized as a leading authority in workers’ compensation claims strategy, risk management, and return-to-work solutions. With nearly two decades of experience spanning workers’ compensation, human resources, compliance, workplace safety, and employee relations, Jason partners with organizations to navigate complex claims challenges while achieving favorable outcomes for employers and injured employees alike. Since joining Hausmann Group in 2022, Jason has become a trusted advisor and tireless advocate for clients facing their most challenging workers’ compensation claims. In his current role, he helps shape the strategic direction of claims consulting services, advises senior stakeholders on high-impact claim matters, and develops innovative solutions that improve outcomes, strengthen processes, and drive organizational efficiency. His expertise is frequently relied upon to guide claim strategy, mitigate risk, and foster productive partnerships between employers, carriers, and injured workers. Prior to Hausmann Group, Jason spent 15 years with The QTI Group as Director of Safety & Compliance. There, he led a team of risk management and HR professionals while overseeing workers’ compensation, employment law compliance, workplace safety, employee relations, unemployment insurance, employee onboarding, and corporate training programs. His extensive experience managing complex claims programs and return-to-work initiatives has equipped him with a unique ability to balance organizational protection with empathy, fairness, and respect for employees. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jason is deeply committed to community service and advocacy. A volunteer with United Way of Dane County since 2008, he was among the inaugural co-chairs of LEAD United during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to support initiatives focused on employee engagement, corporate philanthropy, and community impact. He is also a passionate advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness and research, dedicating his time to advancing support for individuals and families affected by the disease. Known for his collaborative style and genuine care for others, Jason takes pride in serving as an extension of his clients’ teams—helping them navigate the claims process with confidence, reduce administrative burden, and focus on what matters most: running their businesses. Outside of work, Jason enjoys bringing people together through food and believes some of life’s best conversations happen around the dinner table. He also enjoys traveling, exploring thrift shops and antique stores, and spending time with his partner and their two Siberian huskies.