Before you report fraud, understand how it works

What to send us, and what not to

Don't put confidential details or documents in our web form. Send only the name of the company or organization involved, your name, and a safe way to reach you, such as a personal email or phone your employer can't see.

Don't take, copy or forward documents you aren't authorized to access. Taking the wrong material can expose you to legal risk and damage your claim. Tell a lawyer what you know and what you already have, and let them advise you on what, if anything, to do next.

The main reward programs, in plain words

Whether any of these fits depends on the facts:

• The False Claims Act: a federal law that lets a private person bring a lawsuit on the government's behalf over fraud on federal money, such as Medicare billing or government contracts, and share in what is recovered. Some states, including New York, have similar laws for fraud on state and local money.
• The SEC Whistleblower Program: rewards for information of your own, that the SEC doesn't already have, about violations of the securities laws that leads to a successful enforcement action above a set size.
• The CFTC Whistleblower Program: a similar program for fraud in commodities, futures and related markets.
• The IRS Whistleblower Office: rewards for information about large tax underpayments.

What the process can feel like

Whistleblower matters often move slowly. A False Claims Act case is filed under seal, meaning it stays secret at first while the government investigates, and you may not be able to talk about it for a long time. Rewards are paid only if money is actually collected, and they're never certain.

If you work there

Several laws forbid employers from punishing employees for reporting fraud, and those protections are separate from any reward. If you've already been punished for speaking up, our page on retaliation for reporting fraud explains what may protect you, and why the order of steps can matter.

What helps to have ready

• A safe personal email or phone that your employer doesn't control.
• The name of the company or organization involved.
• A private written note, kept to yourself for now, of what you saw and when.
• A list, not copies, of documents you already have lawful access to.
• Any retaliation you've faced, with dates.

• What to have ready before you talk to a lawyer

  A short, practical list you can use for any kind of problem.

Where we fit in

A lawyer at our firm looks at your case. If we take it and another firm is better placed to lead it day to day, we choose that firm from firms we have vetted for their expertise and track record, and we stay responsible for your case with them.

Questions people ask

This may also apply

• Punished for reporting fraud

  If you were fired, demoted or pushed out after reporting.

• Investments that were not what you were told

  If you lost your own money in the scheme.

More about reporting fraud and whistleblower rewards

• Reporting fraud and whistleblower rewards: overview
• Punished for reporting fraud