Fraud is one of the unfortunate realities of business conducted for and/or with the federal government. Fraud comes in many shapes and sizes and is anything but a victimless crime.
Each and every American pays a significant percentage of their income to the federal government in the form of taxes. When a company or individual defrauds the government, they are effectively stealing from taxpayers.
While the federal government does its best to monitor fraud and hold bad actors accountable, it is impossible for them to catch every instance of fraud. The good news is that Congress has laws on the books that allow individuals to bring lawsuits against fraudsters on behalf of the government.
These whistleblower laws provide various protections and even reward brave individuals who step forward as whistleblowers. If you have witnessed or have knowledge of fraud, contact an Illinois whistleblower lawyer to learn how to start your whistleblower journey.
What is the False Claims Act?
During the Civil War, Congress passed the first False Claims Act (FCA) in 1863 to hold government contractors suspected of defrauding the federal government accountable.
One of the unique provisions of the law is that ordinary citizens can file suit on behalf of the government against individuals or companies suspected of fraud. These citizens are known as qui tam relators.
A case where an individual files suit on behalf of the government against an individual for committing fraud is called a “qui tam” case. The majority of fraud cases filed under the FCA are qui tam cases.
What is the Illinois False Claims Act?
The State of Illinois has its own False Claims Act that deals with fraud committed by companies using money from the state or a city therein. There are many similarities between the federal False Claims Act and the Illinois False Claims Act.
However, there may be key differences regarding filing deadlines and other rules and procedures. To determine which of the two False Claims Acts applies in your case, you may want to contact an Illinois whistleblower attorney.
At Tycko & Zavareei LLP, we offer a free and confidential case evaluation to help you determine what you should do next.
Common Types of Fraud Committed in Illinois
Fraud can come in many forms. While the majority of fraud occurs in the healthcare industry, fields of defense, construction, agriculture, and disaster relief also see their fair share of fraudulent activity. Here are some of the most common types of fraud in Illinois:
- False claims: When an individual or company claims to have done a certain amount of work when in fact they have not. A claim is then filed for payment for the work that was not completed.
- Healthcare fraud: Can include double billing, which is when a healthcare professional performs a service and bills for it twice, as well as upcoding, which is when a doctor or administrator bills for a more expensive treatment or procedure when a cheaper treatment or procedure was performed.
- Kickback schemes: When a professional offers or accepts payment for access to a financially beneficial relationship that may not benefit someone using their services.
- Government contracts fraud: When government contractors misrepresent certain aspects of their business to receive unwarranted government funds.
- Tax fraud: When an individual or business evades their tax responsibilities
- Securities, commodities, and banking fraud: Fraud involving misleading financial information to manipulate certain markets for one’s own benefit.
In the State of Illinois, individuals and companies have been found guilty and held liable for hundreds of millions of dollars in fraud.
These are just a few of the most common types of fraud committed against the Illinois state government and federal government. If you work in one of the above industries, or in another field, and believe you have witnessed or have knowledge of fraud in Illinois, it is wise to talk to a whistleblower lawyer.
As an industry expert, you have the access and information to know whether fraud has occurred. You may be the key to starting an investigation and putting an end to the gross misuse of taxpayer funds.
How an Illinois Whistleblower Attorney Can Help You
Bringing a qui tam case against your employer takes courage. At Tycko & Zavareei LLP, it has been an honor to represent brave individuals from around the country who have blown the whistle on fraud.
Our team of seasoned whistleblower lawyers understand the subtleties and intricacies of qui tam law and will know just what to look for in your Illinois case. From a free and confidential case evaluation, to filing suit in the appropriate court, our experienced whistleblower attorneys are here for you.
Finally, the False Claims Act offers whistleblowers protection against retaliation such as demotion, reduced hours or pay, suspension, and termination. The FCA also allows whistleblowers to receive 15 to 30 percent of the money recovered by the government. Once retained, an Illinois whistleblower attorney will fight to ensure you are protected and do what they can to help you receive compensation.
Contact an Illinois Whistleblower Attorney
State and federal whistleblower laws can be quite complex. Stepping up as a whistleblower is challenging enough without having to worry about whether you are doing everything according to the rule of law.
To help ease your burden, contact an Illinois whistleblower lawyer. At Tycko & Zavareei LLP, we will evaluate your case and give you direction on what you can do next.