What is fraud?

Protect yourself

It is important to protect yourself and your information from fraud, scams and impersonation. We've heard reports of scammers fraudulently representing themselves as the Saskatchewan WCB to try and get personal and banking information from Saskatchewanians. We want to help you be aware of and spot these scams and know what to do if any communication you receive seems suspicious.

Know how to recognize a scam

Fraudulent communication (also known as scams) can be sent via phone, mail, text message, email or social media. The sender might encourage you to click on links or request personal information, such as your claim information, social insurance number, credit card details, bank account information, passwords or passport number.

These red flags will help you tell when something may be wrong:

• Unexpected communication asking for personal information: It’s unlikely we’ll reach out to ask for personal details or banking information without previous discussion. If you aren’t sure whether a request for information is legitimate, please reach out to your trusted WCB contact (for example, claim owner) or call our contact center to verify.
• An unfamiliar sender: Our emails will end with @wcbsask.com. Do not trust an email sent from a different address as someone may be trying to impersonate a WCB employee.
• Communication sent via text message or social media: We will not reach out to you via text message or through social media (for example, Facebook Messenger or Twitter direct message), but we do monitor our official social media inboxes and will respond if you submit an inquiry.
• Threatening messaging or coercive language: Scammers use this to scare you into visiting questionable websites, providing personal information and/or paying money for various reasons.

Protect yourself and your information

Be vigilant, be cautious and, when in doubt, check with us. If something looks suspicious, do not respond. Never click on any questionable links or provide personal information to an untrustworthy source. If you aren’t sure whether a communication is legitimate, reach out to your trusted WCB contact (for example, claim owner or industry specialist) or call our contact center to verify. We are happy to confirm whether the communication is from us and we’ll let you know if there’s any information we need from you.

Protect the system

The workers’ compensation system belongs to all of us. We rely on most people to be honest – and they are. However, there is a small percentage who are not, which can add up to big costs to the system and to Saskatchewanians.

Misuse occurs when an individual is intentionally dishonest in order to obtain money, goods or services to which they are not entitled. We should all be alert for signs someone is taking advantage of the system for their personal gain.

What is fraud?

In general, fraud involves action with intent that is dishonest and results in some type of benefit that one is not entitled to. Simply put, fraud is committed when a person gains something, whether potential or actual, that results from a lie.

The WCB has investigators to pursue reports of fraud and abuse. You can help by notifying the WCB if you suspect that someone is committing fraud.

Possible worker indicators

The following signs may indicate a worker is receiving benefits and/or services they may not be entitled to:

• Misrepresenting or exaggerating an injury.
• Making false or misleading statements.
• Falsely claiming an injury or illness is work-related.
• Working while receiving disability benefits.
• Falsely claiming that an injury is work related.
• Exaggerating the work injury or delaying return to work in order to receive WCB benefits.
• Purposefully withholding information from the WCB regarding working and/or earning an income while receiving WCB benefits.
• Making false or misleading statements.
• Purposefully withholding information from the WCB regarding a material change in your situation. A material change is a change to your income, health status, job, or any other circumstance that might affect entitlement to WCB benefits.

Tips for workers

• If you’re injured at work and require medical attention, tell your employer what happened as soon as possible.
• File a Worker’s Initial Report of Injury (W1) form to the WCB as soon as you can.
• Contact the WCB if your employer tries to intimidate you or persuade you not to file an injury claim.
• Contact the WCB if workers’ compensation premiums are being deducted from your pay cheque.
• Keep your customer care facilitator informed about any changes in your income, health status, job or any other circumstance that might affect entitlement to WCB benefits.
• Report all instances of suspected fraud or abuse on the part of any stakeholder.

Possible employer indicators

The following signs may indicate an employer is taking advantage of the workers’ compensation system. These actions by an employer may delay recovery and return to work for their workers and create additional costs for the system and the public:

• Failing to report a workplace injury or illness.
• Unlawfully deducting premiums from a worker’s wages.
• Intimidating a worker into not reporting a claim.
• Deliberately understating or falsifying payroll information.
• Employers in compulsory industries failing to register for an employer account, or registering only when a claim is filed.
• Possessing or using a forged or false WCB clearance certificate.
• Falsely claiming that an injury is work related.
• Exaggerating the work injury or delaying return to work in order to receive WCB benefits.
• Purposefully withholding information from the WCB regarding working and/or earning an income while receiving WCB benefits.
• Making false or misleading statements.
• Purposefully withholding information from the WCB regarding a material change in your situation. A material change is a change to your income, health status, job, or any other circumstance that might affect entitlement to WCB benefits.

Tips for employers

• When a work injury occurs that requires medical attention, always file an Employer’s Report of Injury (E1) form within five days of being notified about the injury.
• Make sure that the form is completed in full and includes accurate details of the injury.
• Make sure that you have an effective injury reporting process in place, one that all management and staff follow.
• Educate your workers about prompt reporting of work-related injuries and the legal consequences of a false injury claim.
• Report all instances of suspected fraud or abuse on the part of any stakeholder.

Possible service provider indicators

The following signs may indicate a service provider is taking advantage of the workers’ compensation system. These actions by a service provider may create additional costs for employers who fund the system:

• Intentionally falsifying an invoice.
• Billing for services that are not provided or are medically unnecessary.

Tips for care providers

• Promptly and accurately report the full details of all treatment provided to patients with workplace injuries.
• Make sure the WCB customer care facilitator is aware of the treatment planned and that it is appropriate. Obtain the case manager’s approval where necessary.
• Contact the WCB if the worker consistently fails to show up for treatment. Follow up with the case manager.
• Report all instances of suspected fraud or abuse on the part of any stakeholder.

Report anything suspicious

If you believe you’re a victim of a fraudulent incident or your confidential information may have been stolen or obtained by a fraudulent party, please contact your local law enforcement for direction and then let us know so we can inform others who may be impacted.

If you suspect someone is abusing the system, you can report it to us. You don’t have to provide your personal information if you wish to remain anonymous. By providing your contact information, an investigator can follow up with you if they have questions or require more details.

You can also report your concerns by calling:

• 306.787.4370
• 1.800.667.7590

After receiving your report, the information will be sent to an investigator for consideration. To respect individual privacy, we are not able to disclose whether an investigation has occurred or the result.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes. We do not accept any liability for any loss incurred by victim(s) of identity fraud, scams or impersonations.