Other Federal Whistleblowing Statutes

by Mar 9, 2017

Whistleblowing rules encourage people to stop fraud

The term “whistleblower” refers to a person who brings fraudulent activity to the attention of those being defrauded or those with the authority to end the fraudulent activity and punish the wrongdoers. In the United States, whistleblowers laws exist to protect informants in many situations and often allow monetary rewards for information leading to the recovery of money by the government.

Deciding whether to shed light on fraudulent activity may seem like a no-brainer, but in real life, the decision may be complicated because people fear negative consequences. Having a trusted advocate on your side before you make the first step as a whistleblower can help alleviate your fear.

If you are aware of any fraudulent activity, do not waste another minute. Call 1-888-491-9726 or contact us online to speak with an attorney from Thornton Law Firm LLP. We can help you. 

Situations where whistleblowing is needed

The variety of situations in which fraud can occur is virtually endless, and new scenarios are only limited by the imaginations of the wrongdoers. Most often, the fraudulent activity is a means to gain unearned profit or avoid liability. Below are examples of whistleblowers taking action to stop fraud:

  • An employee reports an employer for violating environmental regulations.
  • An accountant reports securities and accounting fraud to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
  • A taxpayer reports a business’s tax evasion to the Internal Revenue Service.
  • A government employee reports suspected theft of property by a government vendor.
  • A government vendor reports fraudulent statements by a federal employee seeking payment.
  • A trucking company employee reports to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration an employer’s requirement that drivers exceed OSHA’s daily hours of service limits.

What federal laws protect me if I blow the whistle?

The following federal whistleblowing statutes have been enacted to protect fraud informants in a variety of circumstances:

  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) – 29 U.S.C. § 623(d)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – 42 U.S.C. § 12203(a); 29 C.F.R. Part 1639
  • Civil Rights Act of 1964 – 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-3(a) (“Title VII”)
  • Clayton Act (antitrust) – 15 U.S.C. § 15(a)
  • Clean Air Act – 42 U.S.C. § 7622; 29 C.F.R. Part 24
  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“Super Fund”) – 42 U.S.C. § 9610; 29 C.F.R. Part 24
  • Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) – 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a), 1139
  • Energy Reorganization Act – 42 U.S.C. § 5851; 29 C.F.R. Part 24
  • Equal Pay Act – 29 U.S.C. § 206(d)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (wage and hour, child labor, minimum wage, overtime) – 29 U.S.C. § 215(a)(3); 29 C.F.R. Part 783
  • False Claims Act – 31 U.S.C. § 3730(h)
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – 29 U.S.C. § 2615
  • National Labor Relations Act – 29 U.S.C. § 158(a)(4)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act – 29 U.S.C. § 660(c); 29 C.F.R. Part 1977 (Part 11(c))
  • Safe Drinking Water Act – 42 U.S.C. § 300j-9
  • Sarbanes Oxley Act – 18 U.S.C. § 1514A
  • Solid Waste Disposal Act – 42 U.S.C. § 6971; 29 C.F.R. Part 24
  • Toxic Substances Control Act – 15 U.S.C. § 2622; 29 C.F.R. Part 24

Call the federal whistleblower attorneys at Thornton Law Firm LLP to arrange a free consultation

Located in Boston, Mass., our attorneys provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to whistleblowers nationwide. Our legal services are provided on a contingency-fee basis, so if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay. Call 1-888-491-9726 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. Thornton Law Firm LLP is here when you need us most.