The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has provided U.S. small businesses and their employees an essential lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like any large-scale government funding program, however, it has also created the potential for fraud and abuse. With the...
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Whistleblowing
What does SEC whistleblowing entail?
The Securities Exchange Commission is an entity that ensures that firms handling securities adhere to stipulated laws. The SEC has codified rules, regulations and norms that govern the conduct of transactions. However, these rules are sometimes violated. Such unlawful...
Whistleblowers want to avoid these six common mistakes
Most would-be whistleblowers do not act lightly. They weigh the potential benefits against the risks and decide they need to do the right thing. They know that blowing the whistle can lead to ostracization and retaliation, but they also know most whistleblowers enjoy...
What are common forms of SEC violations?
Do you suspect your employer is violating Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) laws? If so, read on for more information about the most common forms of SEC violations and how an experienced SEC whistleblower lawyer can help you report the violation. Common forms...
What is the first-to-file rule in False Claims Act cases?
If you are considering reporting fraud per the False Claims Act, you must act quickly, especially if you are looking for a potential monetary reward. That is why the first thing that you need to do is to get your qui tam case on file before any other potential...
Case alert: “Neutral” product reviews can constitute false advertising
A federal appeals court recently held that the publisher of a self-described "neutral" product review guide could face civil liability for false advertising because it received indirect financial benefits from the manufacturer of products that it reviewed favorably...
What to know about the SEC whistleblower program
Financial fraud can cost investors millions of dollars. It can undermine the foundations of a fair and competitive market. And, as demonstrated by the Enron and Bernie Madoff scandals, it can even impact the national or global economy. Federal securities regulations...
What to know about the CFTC’s whistleblower program
Employees in the financial sector are in a unique position: They're often the first to uncover illegal practices. In their day-to-day work, they may be privy to misconduct that would otherwise fly under the radar. Possessing that information puts them in an...
5 keys to a successful qui tam claim
The False Claims Act rewards whistleblowers who shed light on wrongdoing. It empowers individuals to pursue lawsuits (called "qui tam" claims) against organizations or individuals who defraud the federal government in one of more than 30 states that have a “mini-qui...
Where to sound the whistle: internal vs. external whistleblowing
Imagine you work for a company that contracts with the federal government. You’ve had strong suspicions about your boss fudging the numbers, cheating the government out of thousands or even millions of dollars. But now, you have proof: a paper trail showing doctored...