Reporting and bringing a claim for fraud or illegal activity under the False Claims Act (FCA) is often called a Qui Tam action. The whistleblower is referred to as the “relator.” The FCA, 31 USC 3729-3733, allows an individual(s) to file a lawsuit on behalf of the government against any person(s), company(s) or entity(s) that is defrauding or cheating the government out of money. The FCA protects the whistleblower (or relator) against retaliation by the employer, and allows the whistleblower to receive to 25% of the recovery if the government joins the lawsuit.
Depending on the illegal activity, the government may recover up to three (3) times the amount of fraud. Treble damages are most always sought in cases involving fraud.
According to the Department of Justice, more that $3.7 billion was recovered from civil cases involving fraud and false claims against the government in 2017. Of the $3.7 billion recovered, $2.4 billion involved the health care industry. justice.gov.
Although fraud can occur in a variety of ways, most fraud involves one of the following:
- Medicaid or Medicare Fraud
- Anti-Kick Back Fraud
- Pharmaceutical (Big Pharma) Fraud
- Government Contract Fraud
If you suspect or know of fraud or illegal activity taking place against the government, contact us using our website or by calling 919-348-4361.
