The financial-overhaul legislation passed by Congress this week provides new incentives for whistleblowers.

A little-known provision in the new legislation allows people with original knowledge of suspected securities fraud, who report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission, to receive 10% to 30% of monetary sanctions obtained by the government. The new legislation, which President Barack Obama is expected to sign this week, would span all industries and affect most publicly traded companies that are bound by securities law.

Some corporate defense attorneys are worried about the new law, claiming it could undermine companies’ abilities to address problems internally. Lawyers who represent whistleblowers say, however, that the new incentives are needed to encourage people to take on the risks of blowing the whistle.

If you have information that could prove useful in a fraud suit against a corporation or contractor, you may be eligible to file for a whistleblower suit under the False Claims Act. Contact the Qui Tam lawyers of Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, by calling 202-973-0900 today.