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How to report wage theft

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

Deadline

The Fair Labor Standards Act generally lets you recover up to 2 years of back wages, or 3 years if the employer's violation was willful. File as soon as you can; older pay periods can fall outside the window while WHD investigates.

Call WHD's toll-free line or contact your regional office; the call is free, confidential, and open regardless of immigration status. A WHD investigator takes your information, may contact your employer directly, and can order back wages paid without you filing a lawsuit. You do not need a lawyer to start a WHD complaint, and federal law bars your employer from firing or punishing you for filing one.

What to gather first

  • Your name, address, and a phone number where WHD can reach you
  • Your employer's legal name, address, and phone number
  • The name of your manager or the owner
  • What kind of work you did and how you were paid (hourly, salary, by check, cash)
  • Pay stubs, personal notes on hours worked, or any other pay records you kept

File a complaint with WHD or call 1-866-487-9243

No reward applies through this channel.

Facts last verified against official sources: 2026-07-04

After you report

  1. Your report is logged and an investigator reviews it. They may contact you for more detail or reach out to your employer directly.
  2. There is no charge to file, and the agency can order the back wages you are owed paid without you going to court.
  3. You do not need a lawyer to start, and it is illegal for your employer to fire or punish you for filing in good faith.

State-specific processes

Related guides

Not legal advice

GetSnitching explains programs and processes in plain English from official sources. Whistleblower and reporting decisions can carry real legal risk. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney. Many whistleblower attorneys offer free consultations.