What should I do if I discover fraud against the government?

If you have evidence of fraud involving government contracts, healthcare programs, or financial misrepresentation, you may be eligible to file a whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act. A False Claims Act attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal steps involved in reporting fraud.

How does the False Claims Act protect whistleblowers?

The False Claims Act provides legal protections against retaliation, such as termination or demotion, for individuals who report fraud. Whistleblowers may also be eligible for financial compensation if their case leads to a successful recovery.

What are my rights if I was wrongfully terminated from my job in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts laws, including Chapter 151B and the Massachusetts Wage Act, provide protections for employees against wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, and retaliation. An employment law attorney can help determine if you have a legal claim.

Can I sue for damages if I was harmed by a defective product?

Yes, Massachusetts product liability laws allow consumers to seek compensation for injuries caused by unsafe products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. A defective product attorney can help determine liability and legal options.

What legal protections exist for survivors of sexual abuse in Massachusetts?

Survivors of sexual abuse can file civil claims against individuals and institutions responsible for harm. Massachusetts laws allow survivors to seek justice even years after the abuse occurred. A sexual abuse lawyer can help navigate the legal process confidentially.

How can a cybersecurity lawyer help if my personal data was compromised?

If your personal or financial data was exposed in a breach, you may have legal recourse under Massachusetts data privacy laws (201 CMR 17.00). A cybersecurity attorney can assess whether you have a claim and help you take legal action.

Whistleblower & False Claims Act

We represent clients who expose fraud and corruption in businesses and government, supporting those who courageously speak up.

$72B

Since 1986, whistleblowers have significantly contributed to over $72 billion in False Claims Act recoveries.

$5.6B+

In 2021, the Department of Justice recovered over $5.6 billion lost to fraud, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding U.S. taxpayer dollars.

$3B

In 2012, the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) reached a $3 billion settlement for allegations including off-label drug promotion, paying kickbacks to healthcare providers, and failing to report safety data.

15-30%

Whistleblowers can earn 15-25% of recovered funds if the government joins and wins their case. If the government doesn’t intervene, the reward increases to 25-30%.

Whistleblowers earned $309 million in 2020 for exposing U.S. government fraud.

Our firm represents whistleblowers in cases under federal and state reward programs:

The False Claims Act: Cases involving fraud against government and state, including Medicare and defense contractor fraud.
SEC Whistleblower Program: Claims for securities law or Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations filed with the SEC under Dodd-Frank.
CFTC Whistleblower Program: Claims for commodity law violations filed with the CFTC under Dodd-Frank.
Massachusetts Whistleblower Protections: Cases involving retaliation for reporting violations of law, public safety risks, or mismanagement in state agencies or contractors.

Overview

Fraud and deception erode trust in American institutions. Our firm empowers brave whistleblowers to expose wrongdoing, holding corporations and the government accountable while seeking justice for fraud victims. We strive to mitigate the economic and social harm caused by malfeasance.

In 2022, a single whistleblower case resulted in a $900 million settlement with Biogen, demonstrating the immense power individuals have to expose corporate wrongdoing and protect public interests.

Justice for Whistleblowers

Our firm stands with the silent heroes who risk it all to reveal the truth behind corporate and governmental fraud. The consequences of such malfeasance undermine public trust and cause significant financial damage to taxpayers and government programs. Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing fraud, and the False Claims Act provides a legal framework for holding wrongdoers accountable while offering protections to those who come forward with credible information. By sharing their knowledge, whistleblowers help uncover misconduct, support enforcement efforts, and contribute to systemic accountability.

On December 31, 2024, a Massachusetts court issued its ruling ordering UnitedHealth and its affiliates to pay $165 million for deceptive sales practices that misled thousands of consumers into purchasing unnecessary supplemental health insurance. This case highlights the risks of corporate misconduct and the important role whistleblowers can play in protecting consumers by exposing deceptive practices and supporting investigations.

Healthcare fraud remains the largest source of False Claims Act recoveries, with over $1.7 billion recouped in 2022 alone, partly due to whistleblower lawsuits.

Your Rights

Protection: You are legally protected from employer retaliation when reporting fraud against government programs. Federal whistleblower laws provide safeguards, though protections vary depending on the specific statute.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Some whistleblower programs, such as the SEC’s, allow you to report fraud anonymously through an attorney. Your identity is generally protected, but exceptions may apply in legal proceedings.
Job Security: If you face retaliation for exposing misconduct, federal laws may entitle you to reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies. Protections depend on the law under which you file your claim.
Rewards: If your information leads to sanctions exceeding $1 million, you may be eligible for a reward of 10%-30% of the recovered funds. The percentage is based on the significance of your contribution.
Eligibility: U.S. whistleblower programs, including the SEC and False Claims Act, allow individuals from any country to report violations and seek financial rewards.

Purdue Pharma’s $4.5 billion settlement highlights the vital role of whistleblowers in combating corporate-caused public health crises.

Lawyers' Role

Our dedicated legal team partners with whistleblowers to navigate the complexities of fraud claims. We offer clear, strategic guidance on whistleblower laws and take decisive action to expose and address corporate and governmental misconduct. Using the False Claims Act, we aim to recover taxpayer funds, hold wrongdoers accountable, and provide robust protection for those who step forward. Our commitment helps reduce fraud, foster transparency, and empower whistleblowers to create meaningful change.

How We Can Help

Disaster Relief and Emergency Fraud

Investigate fraudulent claims for disaster relief funding, exposing misuse in emergency response and rebuilding projects, and pursue recovery under public procurement laws and the False Claims Act.

Environmental and Climate-Related Fraud

Represent whistleblowers reporting fraud in carbon credit markets, greenwashing, or misuse of climate mitigation funds, advocating for accountability in renewable energy projects and compliance with environmental standards.

Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Fraud

Pursue claims involving Medicare and Medicaid fraud, false billing practices, and kickback violations under the False Claims Act to protect public funds and assist whistleblowers in addressing misconduct.

Defense and National Security Fraud

Expose fraud in defense contracts and national security programs by addressing overbilling, falsified records, and unsafe products, while seeking recovery of taxpayer funds through qui tam actions.

Education and Research Misconduct

Handle cases involving misuse of government research grants and fraudulent educational funding, representing whistleblowers reporting academic fraud or misappropriation of public resources.

Cybersecurity and Data Breach Reporting

Support whistleblowers reporting corporate failures to meet cybersecurity standards or disclose significant data breaches, focusing on compliance with federal and state consumer protection laws.

Financial and Banking Fraud

Address securities fraud, insider trading, and financial misreporting by working with whistleblower programs like those established under the Dodd-Frank Act to hold financial institutions accountable.

Public Construction and Procurement Fraud

Investigate fraud in public infrastructure projects, including fraudulent bidding and misappropriation of funds, to address violations of government contracts and recover misused taxpayer resources.

Tax Fraud and Financial Misconduct

Pursue claims under the IRS Whistleblower Program for tax evasion, underreported income, or fraudulent tax schemes to recover funds owed to the government.

Consumer Financial Protection Violations

Represent whistleblowers reporting predatory lending practices, hidden fees, or violations of consumer financial protection laws, focusing on addressing harm to consumers and corporate accountability.

Fraud in Emerging Markets and Technologies

Represent whistleblowers exposing cryptocurrency fraud, deceptive Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), or unethical uses of artificial intelligence, addressing financial misconduct and regulatory violations in decentralized finance and cutting-edge technology sectors.

Whistleblower Retaliation Protection

Advocate for individuals who face retaliation for reporting fraud or misconduct, protecting their rights under whistleblower protection laws and seeking remedies for wrongful termination or harassment.