Wage theft occurs when employers do not pay workers the full wages they are owed. This can include practices like not paying for overtime, paying less than the minimum wage, or failing to compensate workers for all hours worked. It affects many employees across various industries, leading to financial hardship for those impacted. Workers can report wage theft to government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Labor, which enforces labor laws. Legal protections exist to help employees recover lost wages, but many may not be aware of their rights or how to seek assistance.