Founder
Whistleblowers provide a vital service to the public when they report evidence of wrongdoing within a public or private organization. Wrongdoing includes abuse, fraud, dangers to public health and safety, waste, and corruption. The whistleblower usually works within the organization but can be anyone with information about wrongdoing unknown to authorities or government agencies.
Our Rhode Island and Massachusetts whistleblower attorneys represent whistleblowers from across the nation. Common industries in which whistleblowers report fraud include:
Healthcare, Long-Term Care Facilities, Construction, Pharmaceuticals, Defense Contractors and Medical Device Industry.
Whistleblower allegations in the healthcare industry are quite common. Fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid practices have become well known because of the actions taken by whistleblowers. Common wrongdoing in the healthcare industry includes:
- Prescribing medications or medical treatments in exchange for benefits, money or other kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies or medical equipment manufacturers
- Overbilling or adding fees for services that were not performed
- Billing for brand name drugs when generic drugs were used
- Performing unnecessary medical procedures
- and billing for numerous diagnostic tests when one test would have provided the necessary information
In 2023, $4.9 trillion was spent on healthcare. With this much money moving through the health care system, the incentive for wrongdoing is high.
Defense Contractors
The United States spent $820 billion on national defense in fiscal year 2023. Billions of dollars are awarded to defense contractors each year. Unfortunately, large contracts can lead to contractor fraud. Examples of defense contract fraud include:
- Overcharging for services and/or supplies and inflating expenses
- Rigging bids, including bribery to obtain a contract
- Failure to provide the best price to the government
- Using unsafe and inferior products
- Falsifying invoices
- Substituting products of inferior quality or that do not meet the requirements of the contract
- Falsifying compliance with legal requirements
- Charging by misallocating costs between private and government contracts
Government contractor fraud is prosecuted under the False Claims Act. The government relies on whistleblowers to uncover defense contractor fraud.
Securities Fraud
The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) encourages whistleblowers to report fraud. Securities and investment fraud include:
- Mispricing of stock
- Cryptocurrency fraud
- Market manipulation
- Accounting fraud
- Insider trading
- Misuse or theft of securities
- Violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
- Pyramid or Ponzi schemes
- Money Laundering
The SEC Whistleblower Program pays eligible whistleblowers an award of 10 to 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected because of cases brought because of the whistleblowing. However, whistleblowers must follow all rules and procedures to be eligible for an award.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Cybersecurity and data privacy are a matter of national security. It is also a concern for consumers who have their data and identities stolen or their private information taken and used for blackmail or other wrongdoing. Cybersecurity and data privacy whistleblowers report security breaches, inadequate cybersecurity and privacy practices, misrepresenting compliance with laws and regulations, software flaws and defects, etc.
Protecting privacy and data is crucial. Whistleblowers bring matters to the government and the public to stop cybersecurity fraud and wrongdoing.
What Should I Do if I Discover Fraud or Wrongdoing at My Workplace?
Seek legal advice from an experienced whistleblower lawyer immediately. Whistleblower cases are complex. You must follow specific rules and steps to ensure you are legally protected under whistleblower protection laws.
Keep your intentions to become a whistleblower private. Do not talk with supervisors, coworkers, or others about your plan. Document the wrongdoing by properly gathering evidence. However, talk with an attorney to ensure you do so carefully to avoid legal issues. An attorney will advise you about the steps you need to take to become a whistleblower and your rights and protections as a whistleblower.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Rhode Island and Massachusetts Employment Law and Whistleblower Attorneys
We are based in East Providence, Rhode Island. However, we protect whistleblowers in Massachusetts and across the United States. If you have questions or seek help in bringing a whistleblower complaint, call Herman Law Group for a free consultation.
Herman Law Group, headquartered in East Providence, provides Whistleblower Protection services across the entire United States. Our firm offers specialized legal support nationwide, ensuring whistleblowers can confidently report wrongdoing anywhere in the country.
