The Whistleblower Law Collaborative concentrates in representing individuals or entities with information about illegal and fraudulent activities — helping whistleblowers take action and set the record straight.
Whistleblowers
Whistleblowers are individuals or entities that come forward with information about fraudulent activities that damage the government or the taxpayers in some way.
- Whistleblower reward — If the case is successful, the whistleblower has the potential to receive a financial compensation from the government.
- Whistleblower retaliation — Both federal and state laws have provisions that protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
Government Program Fraud
Fraud that directly or indirectly affects the government and government funds takes many forms and occurs across all government agencies on a local, national and international level. The whistleblower or "qui tam" provisions in federal and state False Claims Acts were established to empower private citizens to speak on behalf of the government when exposing fraud. This applies to all existing government program such as health care, procurement and contracts, national defense, homeland security, disaster relief, education, and transportation and public construction.
- Health care fraud — Any form of fraud targeting any health insurance programs managed by the United States or State government, including Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, FEHBP and Department of Veterans Affairs health benefits. Fraud committed against the Food and Drug Administration can also be a form of health care fraud.
- Procurement and government contract fraud — The United States government is one of the largest consumers of goods and services in the world, purchasing everything from computers to pencils and paper. Fraud can occur on either the state or federal level anywhere in the world. It can affect any agency, including the General Services Administration, the Environmental Protection agency, the Department of State and many others.
- Department of Defense (DOD) and Homeland Security Fraud — Overcharging, defective goods and Buy America Act violations are just a few examples of fraud perpetrated against the Department of Defense and Homeland Security.
- Transportation and construction fraud — Fraudulent activities targeting the state and federal funds covering the construction of a wide range of roads, bridges, tunnels, prisons, schools and government buildings.
Securities and Trading Fraud
Securities fraud occurs when companies fail to meet their obligation to publicly disclose accurate and complete information about the risks of an investment. This behavior is a violation of the nation's securities laws and a form of fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Whistleblower Program encourages whistleblowers to come forward to protect the integrity of the markets and the security of investments.
Other types of misconduct include fraud in the futures and options markets. Like the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) encourages whistleblowers who know of such misconduct to come forward.
Companies and individuals doing business overseas are required to comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-bribery laws. Violations of these laws can result in securities and trading fraud.
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud can be committed by individuals or companies. Evading, attempting, or conspiring to evade taxes by underreporting income, inflating expenses, or any other means is illegal. The IRS Whistleblower Program aims to capture tax cheats.
Banking and Financial Fraud
Financial fraud involves the violation of banking, mortgage or lending laws. It may take many forms and can implicate Government Program Fraud. Securities and Trading Fraud, when the risks associated with mortgages or foreclosures or securities are not properly disclosed, and Tax Fraud.
Contact the Whistleblower Law Collaborative
The lawyers at Thomas & Associates and Durrell Law Office have joined forces to create the Whistleblower Law Collaborative. The Collaborative serves clients nationwide from its offices in Boston, Massachusetts. Call toll free at 877-341-5952 to arrange a free initial phone consultation with an experienced attorney.
