As wage theft rises, states and cities crack down

CHICAGO - The old problem of bosses who don't pay immigrant workers what they're owed appears to be getting worse.

Workers' rights centers say wage theft has become the No. 1 complaint they're hearing. And immigrants are particularly vulnerable because of fear that employers will call immigration authorities.

Authorities say the problem hurts taxpayers too. They say businesses that don't pay workers are unlikely to pay their share of unemployment insurance and workers' compensation funds.

Now some states and local governments have begun to tackle the issue on their own. They're getting better at collecting fines and allowing workers to file complaints online. They're also reaching out to community groups to make workers feel safer about speaking up.