A whistleblower is a person who exposes illegal and/or unethical activity that has occurred within an organization.
Typically, the information involves contract companies committing fraud against the government by overcharging for products or services. Other cases of fraud that may constitute whistleblowing include an organization that makes false Medicare or Medicaid claims, performs illegal trade of wildlife, fish, and plants, or illegally discharges pollution into the ocean.
Why Come Forward?
Whistleblowers shouldn’t shy away from speaking up. You’re protected from retaliation under the federal Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989.
In fact, the False Claims Act is a law that was created to encourage people to come forward with their knowledge of fraud against the government by rewarding them for doing so. Once the case is settled, the government may recover up to three times the amount of money that was lost and the whistleblower can be rewarded up to 30% of that amount.
How to Whistleblow
To be a whistleblower you don’t have to be an employee of the company. As long as you’re aware of fraud within the organization you can state your claim. While you can technically undergo the process on your own, whistleblowing is a complicated and drawn out procedure. The Harman Law Firm encourages people who are serious about whistleblowing to do so with the assistance of a good attorney. Our experienced team can help guide you and provide you with everything necessary to get through this process successfully.
If you’ve witnessed fraud, then don’t choose to ignore it. Pick up the phone and call our Atlanta lawyer today. We’re here to ensure your privacy, safety, and that the whistleblowing process is done so in a way that protects your rights.
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