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Employees are often in the best position to identify when their company has committed fraud against the government. The False Claims Act empowers workers to report these violations and potentially receive a portion of any recovered funds. By knowing how to recognize and properly report these violations, you can protect both taxpayer dollars and your career.
About the False Claims Act
Originally enacted during the Civil War to combat widespread contracting fraud, the False Claims Act stands as one of the United States’ most effective tools for fighting government fraud. The law allows private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against individuals or companies that submit false claims for federal funds. Successful whistleblowers can receive between 15 percent and 30 percent of recovered funds. In 2024 alone, the government recovered over $2.9 billion in settlements and judgments from civil cases involving fraudulent claims, with whistleblowers playing a crucial role in many of these recoveries.
Common Signs of False Claims Act Violations
Many employees encounter potential False Claims Act violations in their daily work but may not recognize the signs. Here are key indicators to watch for:
- Billing problems – When a company consistently overbills the government, submits charges for services never provided, or doubles bills for the same work
- Documentation irregularities – Missing paperwork, altered records, or pressure to sign off on incomplete or inaccurate documents
- Contract issues – Failing to meet government contract requirements while certifying compliance, or misrepresenting qualifications to win contracts
- Quality control concerns – Delivering substandard products or services that don’t meet government specifications, or substituting inferior materials without disclosure
- Grant fund misuse – Using government grant money for unauthorized purposes or failing to follow grant requirements while certifying compliance
Steps to Document Potential Violations
If you spot these or other potential violations, proper documentation becomes crucial.
- Begin by keeping detailed notes about what you observe, including dates, times, and the names of others involved.
- Save relevant documents, emails, or other materials that support your concerns, but only if you can do so legally and safely.
- Remember to use only work-appropriate channels to gather information. In other words, you should never access restricted areas or documents without authorization.
- Create a timeline of events and maintain copies of any relevant communications.
- Keep your documentation in a secure location away from work. However, avoid taking any documents that contain confidential patient information, trade secrets, or classified material.
Proper Reporting Process
You should take extra precautions when embarking on the reporting process. While many companies have internal reporting systems, False Claims Act cases demand specific procedures. This is the stage where working with an experienced attorney becomes essential. A qualified lawyer will:
- Help evaluate the strength of your case
- Assist you in following proper filing procedures
- Protect your rights throughout the process
- Guide you through potential government investigations
Most importantly, remember that the False Claims Act includes strong protections against workplace retaliation. Companies cannot legally fire, demote, harass, or discriminate against employees who report potential violations.
Contact Herman Law Group Today
At Herman Law Group, we understand the challenges whistleblowers face. For over two decades, we’ve helped employees protect themselves while exposing fraud against the government. If you’ve identified potential False Claims Act violations, contact us for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and create a strategic plan to address your concerns effectively.
Let us put our experience to work protecting you and taxpayer dollars. Call Herman Law Group today or fill out our online form to speak with an experienced False Claims Act attorney.