MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — State officials are warning workers to stay alert after reports surfaced of scammers impersonating workers’ compensation officials in an attempt to trick people into paying money to receive benefits.

The warning comes from the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, which said it has become aware of scams targeting workers in other states in which individuals falsely claim to represent agencies similar to Tennessee’s Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims.

According to the bureau, victims may be contacted through phone calls, emails, text messages, or even video calls by people claiming to be judges, attorneys, state employees, or other government representatives. In some cases, the communications appear official and attempt to convince workers that they must pay fees in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits or settle a claim.

Officials stress that such requests are fraudulent.

Under Tennessee law, workers should never be asked to pay money in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Employers are responsible for providing reasonable and necessary medical treatment for workplace injuries that qualify under the state’s workers’ compensation system.

The bureau also emphasized that it does not charge workers to receive benefits or resolve claims. Instead, its role includes assisting injured workers and employers with claims, providing mediation services, and helping resolve disputes related to workplace injuries.

Scammers often attempt to pressure victims by claiming immediate payment is required or threatening the loss of benefits if a fee is not paid. Officials say those tactics are a clear warning sign of fraud.

The bureau noted it will never request payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other similar payment methods, which are commonly used in scams because they are difficult to trace.

Workers who receive suspicious messages are urged not to send money or share personal information. Instead, they should verify the legitimacy of the communication before taking any action.

To confirm whether a message or claim is legitimate, individuals can visit the bureau’s official website at tn.gov/workerscomp or contact the agency directly using the phone numbers and contact information listed on the website. Officials caution that email addresses can be spoofed, so people should avoid replying directly to suspicious messages and instead start a new email or call the agency using official contact information.

Authorities say early verification can help prevent financial loss and stop scammers from targeting additional victims.

Anyone who believes they have been contacted by a scammer should report the incident to local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office. Victims are also encouraged to preserve any evidence, including emails, text messages, voicemails, or payment requests, which could assist investigators.

Officials say reporting suspected scams plays a key role in protecting workers and preventing others from falling victim to similar schemes.

• Read the long list of scams that have hit Rutherford and Surrounding Counties HERE.