What is a False Claim?
Serving Clients Nationwide
The government regularly spends money purchasing goods or services from vendor companies. When these companies make a claim against the government for payment of goods or services to which they are not entitled to receive payment, the vendor can be held liable in court for all funds which they defrauded the government.
The False Claims Act governs all cases regarding fraud committed against the government. By law, companies defrauding the government can be held liable for conduct that:
- Knowingly presents the government with a false claim for payment
- Knowingly utilizes false records or statements to compel the government to pay out on a claim
- Conspires with others to get the government to pay out on a false claim
- Knowingly uses false records or statements to conceal, avoid, or decrease an obligation to pay money to the government
False Claims Act Violations
There are a variety of fraudulent actions which constitute a violation of the False Claims Act. Some of the most common involve:
Qui Tam Lawsuits
Individuals with knowledge of fraud committed against the government may file a qui tam lawsuit in order to help the government recover the money to which it is entitled. In a qui tam claim, the whistleblower, or “relator,” presents evidence of the fraud to the government. The government will conduct an investigation, and if it believes the case has merit, it will join in, or “intervene”. If the government chooses not to participate, the relator can still move forward with the claim alone; however, the chances of success are significantly reduced.
Qui tam claims are filed under seal, meaning they are not immediately made public. Only the government prosecutors and the court are aware of the case. The case remains under seal while the government investigates the allegations against the defendant. Once the investigation is complete and the government decides to participate, the seal is lifted and the defendant is informed of the qui tam claim and the name of the relator.
An Important Public Service
Fraud against the government is a serious problem for all Americans. When the government makes payments on false claims, it reduces the funds available to pay for legitimate claims. Ultimately, the American public as a whole suffers from these fraudulent actions.
The qui tam lawyers at Kenney & McCafferty are proud to help whistleblowers fight fraud against the government. The government lacks the resources and expertise to ferret out all instances of fraud. Therefore, it relies on whistleblowers to assist in this process.
We understand the serious risks you take by coming forward as a whistleblower, and we will work to protect your rights through every step of the process, ensuring that you receive the proper whistleblower reward for your help in the case. If you would like to stop fraud against the government, the lawyers at Kenney & McCafferty can help you with this important public service.
If you have knowledge of a fraud or false claim against the government, please contact our qui tam lawyers today. Kenney & McCafferty attorneys will consult with you about your case, without obligation. All communications with Kenney & McCafferty attorneys during these consultation services are confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege.
