False Claims Act

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The False Claims Act enables a private citizen with unique knowledge of fraud committed against the federal government (such as health care fraud, contract fraud, and tax fraud) to file a lawsuit under seal (not accessible to the public) seeking treble (triple the amount) damages on behalf of the government.  In successful prosecutions, the False Claims Act allows the whistleblower (also known as a “Relator”) to obtain a substantial monetary reward ranging from between 15% to 30% of the total case recovery, including treble damages and penalties.  In 2012 alone, it is estimated that federal and state whistleblower claims resulted in more than $9 billion in recoveries.