Florida Whistleblower Attorney
Fraudulent schemes are unlawful in any context, but the stakes are higher when an individual or company defrauds the government and misappropriates taxpayer dollars. Unfortunately, government bodies are not always in the best position to discover and investigate illegal scams surrounding their business transactions with private entities. Therefore, lawmakers have enacted statutes to incentivize those with knowledge to come forward. These whistleblower laws can result in a substantial reward to anyone who uncovers fraud, since doing so enables the government to recover stolen funds.
If you are aware of a fraudulent scheme by a private contractor doing business with the government, you may qualify to receive a financial award. However, whistleblower cases are extremely complex. However, whistleblower claims are highly complicated and involve very detailed legal proceedings. Our team at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. focuses on these cases, so we are ready to advocate on your behalf. Please contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation with a Florida whistleblower attorney, and read on for an overview of the general concepts.
How Whistleblower Laws Work
The primary statute that makes it unlawful to give false statements in connection with government business transactions is the Federal False Claims Act (FCA). Not only can the government pursue misconduct, but it gives private individuals a percentage of the recovered amount if they can help recover amounts that were fraudulently misappropriated. The claims brought under the FCA and similar whistleblower statutes are sometimes referred to as “qui tam” actions. Some of the most common fraudulent schemes that give risk to a case involve:
- Improper billing for Medicare and Medicaid services;
- Illegal financial activity and activities under the authority of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC);
- Making fraudulent statements to obtain loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA); and,
- Many more.
Filing a Whistleblower Suit
If you have information regarding fraud against the government or in connection with government contracts, your first step is to follow the proper procedures under FCA rules. Our lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. will be at your side throughout the process, which starts when you report a fraudulent scheme as a “relator.” The relevant government body, often the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), will place the matter under seal to investigate.
Depending on the results of the probe and the government’s decision on how to proceed with the FCA claim, you may be able to recover up to 30 percent of the amount that is recovered through legal action. In high stakes fraud cases, the OIG may obtain millions, of which you are entitled to a portion for doing your part.
Entrust Your Case Our Florida Whistleblower Cases Attorneys
When federal whistleblower laws reward you for doing the right thing in reporting fraud, it is important that you have knowledgeable legal counsel to assist with the process. For more information on how these cases work, please contact Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. at 305-445-1111 or visit us online. We can set up a free consultation at our offices in Coral Gables, FL.
