Fraud Prevention and Compliance
What L&I is doing to combat fraud
Current News and Features
Look for these signs of fraud
- Employers not paying L&I premiums owed.
- Overcharging L&I for medical services.
- Working while collecting time-loss from L&I.
- Filing a false L&I claim or falsifying a condition.
- Not registering as a contractor.
Other agencies' fraud resources
- Department of Revenue.
- Employment Security Department.
- Report Newly Hired Workers.
Aids in the detection of workers' compensation and unemployment insurance fraud.
1-888-811-5974
Contact us
Suggestions?
Report Fraud Here
Employer Fraud
Injured Worker Fraud
Provider Fraud
Contractor Fraud
Employer Verification
- Verify Workers' Compensation Premium Status
Verify employer's industrial insurance status - Look up a Contractor
Verify status of a contractor's registration - Look Up Employers That Have Violated Wage Law
Find employers cited for wage complaints filed by employees. - Contract Restricted Premium Status (State, County, City & Local Taxing Authorities)
(Requires a SecureAccess Washington account) Login; or sign up and add the service "Contract Restricted Premium Status."
Protect your business - Know the rules
Learn about your employees' rights, reporting requirements, rules for subcontractors, and laws that direct our handling of overdue accounts.
When hiring independent subcontractors
Guide to Hiring Independent Contractors (906 KB PDF)
A short booklet explaining independent contractor law in plain language.
Liability for Your Subcontractor's Unpaid Workers' Compensation Premiums (190 KB PDF)
Information sheet explaining your responsibility for ensuring subcontractors pay worker premiums.
When you have questions about reporting to L&I
Employer Audit Self-Service Library
Use this page to find L&I guides and reference cards to view, download or order.
When you have an overdue bill with L&I
Notice Of Completion Of Public Works Contract (108 KB PDF)
Request for contract release form to be completed by public agency to release retainage for contractor.
Washington laws related to overdue accounts (46 KB PDF prints in Legal)
An information sheet containing the wording of all sections of the Revised Code of Washington that support - and limit - collections actions L&I can take against employers with delinquent accounts.
When served with a Stop Work Order
About Stop Work Orders
How L&I is implementing the 2009 law authorizing stop work orders.
Training
For both employers and workers
Employer Fraud Red Flags (30 KB PDF)
Behaviors that alert L&I (and you, if you have a subcontractor) when an employer may not be paying proper workers' compensation premiums for employees.
Workers' Compensation Discrimination (223 KB PDF English and Spanish)
Information sheet explaining Washington laws intended to prevent employer discrimination against employees who seek worker compensation benefits due to work related injury.
News Releases
- Tacoma woman charged with stealing $50,000 in benefits from state
(May 14, 2013) - Jail time for King County man who faked work injuries to get drugs
(May 7, 2013) - Tacoma couple must reimburse state $224,000 for workers' comp fraud
(April 1, 2013) - Language interpreter gets jail time, must pay $34,000 for overcharging state
(March 22, 2013) - Pierce County couple plead guilty to felony charges
(March 6, 2013) - Language interpreter sentenced for padding bill to state
(February 22, 2013) - Lake Stevens roofing contractor sentenced to 60 days for Workers' Comp fraud
(February 14, 2013) - L&I launches ProtectMyHome campaign to fight contractor fraud
(February 14, 2013) - Kettle Falls woman sentenced for stealing workers' compensation benefits
(February 1, 2013) - Spokane man charged with stealing $113,271 in workers' comp benefits
(January 14, 2013) - Tacoma couple charged with theft of $223,000 in workers' comp benefits
(November 21, 2012) - Surprise Wenatchee sweep of 63 work sites uncovers unregistered contractors
(November 6, 2012) - Attending a home show? Visit the L&I booth for a reality check on contractor scams — and how to avoid them
(October 3, 2012) - L&I compliance inspectors target underground economy in weekend sweep
(September 25, 2012) -
Warm weather? Must be time for asphalt paving scams
(May 10, 2012) -
Dealing with storm damage? Protect yourself from unqualified contractors
(January 26, 2012) - Underground economy fight takes national stage
(September 19, 2011) - Historic workers' compensation bill signed today
(June 15, 2011) - Tri-Cities area homeowners warned: seasonal asphalt paving scam operating in the area
(May 19, 2011) - L&I warns homeowners of seasonal asphalt paving scam
(Arpil 13, 2011) - L&I launches campaign encouraging homeowners to hire registered contractors
(April 11, 2011) - Spokane man found guilty of stealing workers’ compensation benefits
(March 17, 2011) - L&I’s fraud-fighting program collects $137 million
(Jan. 18, 2011) - Need a Black Friday plumber? L&I says check for certification
(Nov. 22, 2010) - J & C Contracting owners plead guilty to underreporting workers
(Nov. 17, 2010) - Not paying workers' comp could be costly to construction employers
(Nov. 10, 2010) - L&I investigating multiple suspicious driveway paving jobs in Spokane area, pavers moving around the state
(Sept. 20, 2010) - L&I offers help for businesses and announces new efforts to fight fraud
(Aug. 11, 2010) - L&I says don't get burned by this asphalt paving scam
(July 30, 2010) - 10 tips for hiring the best contractor for remodels or repair
(June 29, 2010) - 'Nailed' blog features L&I’s fraud-fighting actions
(June 9, 2010) - L&I offers free workshops for new employers
(April 16, 2010) - Suspectfraud.com helps consumers 'check with the state before it's too late'
(March 8, 2010) - Ritzville man pleads guilty to fraud, ordered to repay $47,487
(Feb 3, 2010) -
L&I's anti-fraud and compliance program saves $128 million, up 3 percent from a year earlier
(January 6, 2010) - Woman ordered to repay $58,600 in workers' compensation benefits
(December 16, 2009) - Canadian doctor ordered to repay nearly $233,000 in illegal workers' comp payments
(December 7, 2009) - Guilty plea by unregistered contractor in King county
(December 4, 2009) - Puyallup man charged with theft of $366,000 in workers' comp benefits
(November 6, 2009) - Contractor pleads guilty to felony theft of sales tax, workers’ comp fraud. 2.1 M in restitution ordered
(October 29, 2009) - Lewis County man sentenced to 90 days for workers' compensation fraud
(October 1, 2009) - Check with the state before it's too late on home-improvement projects
(May 22, 2009) - Painting company that defrauded workers' comp system must pay $212,000
(April 14, 2009) - As flood waters recede, beware of risks from damaged wiring and unregistered contractors
(Jananuary 9, 2009 ) - Trucking industry has high rate of workplace injuries, costs
(August 28, 2008) - Excavation company to pay $356,000 in back wages and premiums
(July 8, 2008 ) - Repairing storm damage? Protect yourself from unqualified contractors
(November 14, 2007) - Vancouver brothers charged with 31 felony counts each for L&I fraud
(October 31, 2007) - Whatcom County man sentenced for defrauding workers' compensation system
(October 2, 2007) - Check out your contractor before you sign on the dotted line
(July 6, 2007) - L&I reports successful anti-fraud efforts in 2006
(January 24, 2007) - New assistant attorney general to help L&I combat fraud
(August 28, 2006) - L&I teams target fraudulent contractors, electricians
(March 2, 2006) - L&I using new software to detect workers’ comp fraud
(November 8, 2005) - Contractor cited for fraud and safety violations
(July 19, 2005) - L&I's anti-fraud effort recovers $27 million in first three months of 2005
(July 7, 2005) - Walla Walla man sentenced for fraudulently cashing L&I benefit check
(April 13, 2005) - L&I fines contractor over $136,000 for workers' compensation violation
(March 1, 2005) - Early check on premium rate could save contractors money later
(December 14, 2004) - Supreme Court lets stand ruling that employers must cooperate with L&I audits
(December 3, 2004) - Burien physical therapist charged with overcharging L&I
(September 27, 2004) - Gig Harbor woman, Monroe man ordered to repay benefits
(September 15, 2004) - Agency sees dramatic increase in recovery of unpaid workers’ compensation premiums
(September 10, 2004)
Updates & Reports
- Labor & Industries Fraud Reports
Quarterly and annual reports to legislature. - Contractor Underground Economy Progress Report (750 KB PDF)
- Underground Economy Benchmark Report (330 KB PDF)
Joint Report to the Washington State Legislature. - Unregistered Business Study (130 KB PDF)
This is a joint document created by Washingtons Department of Revenue, Department of Labor & Industries and Employment Security Department November 2007.
About the Fraud Prevention and Compliance Program
Elizabeth Smith, Program Manager
Department of Labor & Industries
P.O. Box 44278 (MS4278)
Olympia, Washington 98504-4278
Phone: 360-902-5933
Fax: 360-902-4650
Email: elizabeth.smith@Lni.wa.gov
Operations, Detection and Tracking
Doric Olson, Detection and Tracking Manager
P.O. Box 44274 (MS 4274)
Olympia, Washington 98504-4274
Phone: 360-902-6639
Fax: 360-902-4650
Email: doric.olson@Lni.wa.gov
The Detection and Tracking Unit
- is responsible for developing and managing workers' compensation fraud and abuse detection including both the fraud phone line (1-888-811-5974) and the web site (www.Fraud.LNI.wa.gov) for reporting fraud.
- provides outreach to help businesses understand their workers’ compensation responsibilities.
- reports updates to the legislature on L&I’s fraud and abuse prevention efforts.
- provides referrals to Field audit, Investigations, and Collections.
Investigations
Annette Taylor, Investigations Program Manager
P.O. Box 44277 (MS4277)
Olympia, Washington 98504-4277
Phone: 360-902-6826
Fax: 360-902-5350
Email: annette.taylor@Lni.wa.gov
The Investigations program is responsible for:
- verifying the validity of claims.
- the appropriateness of injured worker activities.
- reviewing complaints of discrimination against workers who file claims.
- investigation and audit of provider fraud.
Field Audit
Kathy Vargas, Field Audit Program Manager
P.O. Box 44150 (MS 4150)
Olympia, Washington 98504-4150
Phone: 360-902-4763
Fax: 360-902-4650
Email: katherine.vargas@Lni.wa.gov
The Field Audit Program
- is responsible for ensuring employers properly report and pay their workers' compensation premiums.
- performs field support for the department’s underwriting efforts.
Collections
Diane Bren, Collections Program Manager
P.O. Box 44170 (MS 4170)
Olympia, Washington 98504-4170
Phone: 360-902-4686
Fax: 360-902-4650
Email: diane.bren@Lni.wa.gov
The Collections program is responsible for collecting worker, employer, and provider debt generated from various department programs, such as workers' compensation, workplace saftey and health, and construction compliance.
Firm Appeals
Roosevelt Currie, Firm Appeals Program Manager
P.O. Box 44172 (MS4172)
Olympia, Washington 98504-4172
Phone: 360-902-4550
Fax: 360-902-4650
Email: roosevelt.currie@Lni.wa.gov
Firm Appeals provides internal case management and policy direction for employer appeals from L&I audits, collection activities, and account management activities.
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