Uncovering Fraud – How Whistleblower Lawyers Are Making a Difference

Whistleblowers are essential to our justice system. They help ensure that those who break national law are held accountable.

Fraud takes many forms, but one thing all fraudulent schemes have in common is that they waste taxpayer dollars. Whistleblower laws are designed to encourage people with information about this type of fraud to report it.

Whistleblower Lawyers Are Making a Difference

When companies defraud the government or engage in securities fraud, commodities fraud, or other financial misconduct, whistleblowers are often at the forefront of these investigations. Because they have a unique vantage point and personal knowledge of the alleged wrongdoing, whistleblowers are a vital part of our justice system and deserve to be protected against retaliation.

However, exposing fraud on the federal level can be complicated and dangerous for whistleblowers. It should be done with the guidance of an experienced attorney.

Whistleblower laws like the False Claims Act, the SEC whistleblower program, and state programs provide monetary incentives to individuals who expose fraud and protect the public interest. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act created new whistleblower offices at the SEC and CFTC to investigate securities and commodities fraud allegations.

Despite these solid financial incentives, most whistleblowers report their concerns to the government because they genuinely desire to stop illegal activities. Whether it is health care fraud, military contracting fraud, false billing, kickbacks, or the improper marketing of pharmaceutical drugs, many Americans are standing up for the law and reporting their concerns.

Because the government can’t always keep tabs on government contracts or grant money, it depends on whistleblowers to step forward and report false claims, defense contractor fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and other violations of federal law. When the government successfully prosecutes a whistleblower case, it awards the whistleblower between 10 percent and 30 percent of the proceeds from the settlement or judgment.

Whistleblowers Have a Unique Position

In the US, for example, the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission have whistleblower reward programs that allow employees to report misconduct confidentially. The programs also protect employees from retaliation and provide awards for their original information.

Whistleblowing can be risky, and learning how to become a whistleblower effectively is a must. In addition to being harmed by their employer, whistleblowers may be subjected to harassment, retaliation, and other adverse consequences. It is essential for anyone considering blowing the whistle to seek qualified legal representation.

Experienced whistleblower lawyers can help ensure that any potential claims are correctly filed and can help prevent retaliation by a company or government. Additionally, they can assist clients in comprehending how their role and responsibilities may affect their eligibility for whistleblower protection or awards.

It is also helpful to have legal representation handling whistleblower cases within the same government agencies that would intervene in your case. This will give the lawyer a deep understanding of what an agency will look for in your claim.

Whistleblower Lawyers Help Whistleblowers

Whistleblower laws provide monetary awards to individuals who report corporate fraud or other wrongdoing. These individuals, often insiders, dare to step up and do what’s right, even when it’s risky. Their actions help the public and can also make them very rich.

These laws can be complicated to navigate. Many people with the correct information choose not to speak out for fear of retaliation by their employers or other consequences. A dedicated whistleblower lawyer can help protect your interests and ensure you follow the proper channels.

When someone is found to have committed tax fraud, securities fraud, or another type of financial misconduct, the government may be able to collect millions of dollars in fines. These penalties deter corporate wrongdoers and make it worth the risk for those with valuable information.

However, reporting to the IRS, SEC, or CFTC is more complex than a phone call. The process is complex and requires an experienced SEC whistleblower law firm. These lawyers can assist you in comprehending your rights and collaborating with the relevant government organizations to file a claim that may net you a sizeable payout. They can also protect your identity throughout the process so you can remain anonymous from start to finish.

Whistleblower Lawyers Help the Public

The public is protected when whistleblower lawyers report violations of laws and regulations. These cases can involve financial fraud and national security laws and regulations violations. Government fraud can cost taxpayers billions of dollars. It may also result in fatalities and serious injuries. For instance, whistleblowers can sue defense contractors for false claims under the federal False Claims Act. Faulty equipment that does not meet promised specifications could endanger military personnel or other federal employees.

Other examples of government fraud are Medicare and Medicaid scams involving false billing or overcharging for medical services. The IRS runs a whistleblower reward program encouraging people to report tax fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) run whistleblower programs that offer monetary rewards for reporting potential violations of their respective laws.

Whistleblower laws can be complex and often require extensive research to determine if there is evidence of fraud. A whistleblower is often the only person to know of possible wrongdoing, and they are often not allowed to discuss their case with others because it has been filed under seal.

For these reasons, it is essential that whistleblowers who are considering reporting illegal activities work with a whistleblower lawyer and do not take the risk of going to the press before consulting an attorney. This can be a nerve-wracking decision, and it is best to work with a lawyer with experience in this law area.