Last reviewed: June 1, 2026 · Written by James Carter, Consumer Rights Researcher · Independent resource — not a government site
Report wage theft to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division at dol.gov/agencies/whd or call 1-866-487-9243. Filing is free and you can request anonymity.
Quick answer: Report wage theft to the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division at dol.gov/agencies/whd or call 1-866-487-9243. You can also file with your state labor board. Reports can be made anonymously and there is no cost to file.
Wage theft is the most common form of theft in the United States, costing workers over $50 billion per year. It includes unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, illegal deductions, and employers paying cash under the table to avoid benefits. If your employer has not paid you correctly, you have federally protected rights — and filing a complaint is free.
What Counts as Wage Theft?
Wage theft takes many forms. Common violations include: not paying overtime (time-and-a-half for hours over 40 per week), paying below minimum wage, making illegal deductions from paychecks, requiring off-the-clock work, misclassifying employees as contractors, and withholding final paychecks. If any of these apply to you, you have grounds to file a complaint.
Which Agency Should I Report Wage Theft To?
The right agency depends on your situation. For most workers, the U.S. Department of Labor handles federal minimum wage and overtime violations. Your state labor board handles state-specific wage laws, which are often stronger than federal protections. You can file with both simultaneously.
| Violation Type | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid overtime or minimum wage | DOL Wage & Hour Division | dol.gov | 1-866-487-9243 |
| State wage violations | State Labor Board | Find your state |
| Employer paying cash illegally | IRS + DOL | 1-800-829-0433 |
| Retaliation after filing | OSHA Whistleblower | osha.gov/whistleblower |
How to Report Wage Theft Step by Step
- Document everything first. Gather pay stubs, bank deposits, work schedules, timesheets, and any written communications with your employer about pay. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.
- Calculate exactly what you are owed. Work out the difference between what you were paid and what you should have been paid. Include all unpaid overtime at 1.5x your regular rate.
- Talk to your employer in writing. Send an email or written request for your unpaid wages. This creates a paper trail and sometimes resolves the issue without a formal complaint.
- File with the DOL Wage and Hour Division. Go to dol.gov/agencies/whd or call 1-866-487-9243. Submit your name, employer details, dates, and amount owed. You can request anonymity.
- File with your state labor board simultaneously. Many states have stronger protections and faster resolution times than federal agencies. Find your state office at dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/contacts.
- Consider filing a private lawsuit. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, you can sue your employer directly for unpaid wages plus an equal amount in damages, plus attorney fees. Many employment lawyers take these cases on contingency.
- Report retaliation immediately. If your employer fires, demotes, or threatens you after you file, report it to OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program at osha.gov/whistleblower within 30 days.
- Follow up on your complaint. DOL investigations typically take 6–12 months. Keep records of all communications and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
What to Have Ready Before You File
- Your full name, address, and contact information
- Employer’s name, address, and phone number
- Type of work you do and your pay rate
- Dates of the violation and approximate hours worked
- Total amount you believe you are owed
- Names of any witnesses or coworkers in the same situation
- Copies of pay stubs, schedules, or timesheets if available
State-Specific Wage Theft Reporting
Several states have stronger wage protections than federal law. In California, file with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (DIR) at dir.ca.gov — California workers can recover up to 3 years of back wages. In New York, contact the NY Department of Labor at labor.ny.gov — NY allows recovery of up to 6 years of back wages. In Texas, file with the Texas Workforce Commission at twc.texas.gov. In Florida, contact the Florida Attorney General’s office at myfloridalegal.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report Workplace Harassment, How to Report Unfair Treatment at Work, How to Report an Employer Paying Under the Table, and our Workplace Reporting Hub.