What Constitutes Fraud or Legal Violations Under the FCA?
This isn’t about your boss taking home office supplies hoping no one will notice — the FCA is meant to protect the federal government and taxpayers from gross fraud and legal violations that may pose a significant risk to public health and safety, or that attempt to defraud the government.
Fraud can occur in nearly any type of industry that conducts business today — it is not limited to giant corporations or financial institutions. Smaller businesses also have the potential to defraud the government at great cost to both the federal government and to hard-working taxpayers.
Some of the more common violations that can trigger an FCA complaint include:
- Charging the government for more than what was promised or delivered
- Delivering goods that were defective or of a lesser quality than what was promised
- Fraudulently seeking out a government contract for business
- Submitting false applications for a government loan or program
- Submitting false applications for a federal grant
- Submitting false applications for federal student loans
- Purposely submitting incorrect bills or charges for healthcare
- Submitting paperwork and claims that falsely certify that an organization is complying with laws, contract terms, or federal regulations
- Knowingly purchasing government property from an unauthorized seller
The majority of these types’ violations fall into these categories of fraud:
- Medicare fraud
- Medicaid fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Environmental fraud
- Construction fraud
- Federal crop insurance fraud
- Federal student loan fraud
- Defense contractor fraud
While this list is extensive, it is not the sum of all actions that could be considered fraud by the federal government. Any type of violation of laws and regulations, gross waste of funds, mismanagement, or danger to the public may be covered by the False Claims Act.
If you suspect your employer of wrongdoing, contact the experienced legal team of The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks, P.C. We can review the evidence in your case and give you the legal advice you need to determine your next move.
Is There a Time Limit to Filing a Claim?
Yes. The False Claims Act does have a statute of limitations. While it may be difficult if you have information about wrongdoing, you need to come forward as soon as possible. Under the False Claims Act, legal action must be taken within at least 6 years from the date of the violation, or 3 years after the government knows or should have known about the violation. That means that in total, no more than 10 years should have passed after the violation took place.
If it seems complicated, that’s because it is. False Claims Act cases can be notoriously difficult and complex. Waiting to file a suit only gives the wrongdoer more time to hide or destroy evidence or continue on their path of fraudulent behavior. Either scenario can be devastating for the government and hardworking American taxpayers.
Companies shouldn’t be in the business of profiting off of the government through fraudulent means. That’s why it is so important that whistleblowers come forward in a timely manner and help hold them accountable.
Why You Need an Experienced Whistleblowing Attorney on Your Side
Cases of wrongdoing of this magnitude are often very complicated. They require extensive investigation and an immense amount of resources — add to that the very real possibility that if you are an employee of the company accused of fraud, you may find yourself on the receiving end of harassment, hostility, or some form of retaliation.
Not only will an experienced legal team have the power and the resources to build a strong and compelling case against the wrongdoer, but they will also have the ability to protect your best interests as the case moves through the court system. This is definitely not the time to try to go it alone — you need a team that can evaluate your evidence, build a solid legal strategy, get the federal government on your side, and obtain the maximum amount of whistleblower compensation.
Experience and determination are the hallmarks of a skilled legal team. At The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks P.C., we have centered our entire practice around protecting the rights of workers. We advocate for employees like you by shielding you from discrimination and adverse actions from your employer.
You are doing the right thing by coming forward with your claims of fraud; we won’t let anyone intimidate you or harass you for having the courage to stand up to corruption. If you believe that you have information about actions that could violate the False Claims Act, contact The Law Firm of Morgan Rooks P.C today. We serve clients throughout Gloucester County, Camden County, Burlington County, Cumberland County, Salem County, Mercer County, Ocean County, and Atlantic County in New Jersey; and Philadelphia County and Delaware County in Pennsylvania.
Contact us at (856) 746-6332 or reach out to us online right away to schedule a free and 100% confidential consultation with a knowledgeable whistleblower attorney.
