False Claims Act Program

The government pays a bill based on what a business tells it. Someone inside that business may know the treatment never happened, the product failed its promised tests or the import paperwork concealed unpaid duties. The False Claims Act gives private whistleblowers a way to pursue qualifying fraud in the government’s name and share in the recovery. Our False Claims Act field page explains the conduct, the cases and the business records behind them.

What a False Claims Act Whistleblower Case Does

The False Claims Act is a civil law addressing knowing false claims for government money and other conduct, including knowingly and improperly avoiding money owed to the government. A private whistleblower’s action is called a qui tam case. The Justice Department can take over the case, and the law also allows the whistleblower to continue when the government declines. The private-action provisions establish that role.

That is why knowledge from inside a contractor, healthcare business or supplier can matter. The government may see an invoice while you understand the decision that made it false.

False Claims Act Whistleblower Reward

The ordinary share is 15% to 25% of the proceeds when the government takes over the case, and 25% to 30% when it does not. The award comes from the proceeds of the action or settlement. The law contains the award rules, including circumstances that can change a whistleblower’s share. Your eligibility and possible recovery are matters we assess with you and counsel.

In fiscal 2025, False Claims Act settlements and judgments exceeded $6.8 billion, including more than $5.3 billion in whistleblower suits. Those are the Justice Department’s results for the year ending September 30, 2025. Whistleblowers’ cases account for much of what this law achieves.

Federal and State False Claims Laws

Congress enacted the federal law in 1863 with private whistleblower suits and a share of the recovery. In 1943, Congress cut the whistleblower’s share; in 1986, it strengthened the law and increased the incentives for private cases. The Justice Department’s account of those changes traces that history.

State false claims laws can also apply, especially where a program uses both state and federal money. Their coverage and private-action provisions differ, so a state name alone does not tell you which case can be brought. The federal health inspector general’s state-law reviews document that variation. We work through the relevant government payments and laws with you.

Your Strongest False Claims Act Case

Questions about anonymity, retaliation, a case filed earlier or information already made public belong in a conversation about your circumstances. Our team of whistleblower experts develops your information with you, helps select experienced counsel and remains your partner throughout the case. Talk with us about what you saw and how we can build your strongest whistleblower action.