How the process works

A person who provides information key information regarding a person or organization engaged in an illicit activity.

A whistleblower who comes forward in a False Claims Act case.  This person brings an action on the government’s behalf.  A relator can be anyone with knowledge of fraudulent activity.  Oftentimes the relator is an employee of a business engaged in fraud, but this is not always the case.

A person who conducts inquiry or investigation into certain allegations.  The investigator gathers documents from multiple sources, reviews documents to establish patterns and facts, interviews witnesses, determines witness credibility, and presents investigative findings for the preparation of legal pleadings.

A False Claims Act (also known as Qui Tam) attorney is a special category of attorney who works with private individuals to present a case to the federal government, often serving as an intermediary between the relator and the prosecutor.  They are versed in both criminal and civil matters.

Qui Tam (pronounced “kee tam”) is a Latin phrase meaning “who as well for the king as for himself sues in this matter.”  For purposes of the False Claims Act, this means that a private person (whistleblower/relator) can file a lawsuit on behalf of the government, even if she or he was not personally harmed, alleging fraud against the government.  Under the False Claims Act, qui tam actions allow persons and entities with evidence of fraud against federal programs or agencies to sue the wrongdoer on behalf of the US Government.

There are many different types of attorneys within the federal government.  Under the False Claims Act, the Attorney General is charged with investigating alleged violations.  The Attorney General heads the Department of Justice.  The US Attorney’s Office is the division within the Department of Justice that prosecutes criminal cases and brings civil cases on behalf of the Attorney General.  The US Attorney’s Office is also charged with handling False Claims Act cases.

Private companies who provide goods or services for public government agencies or on the government’s behalf are considered government contractors.  Companies that provide services paid for by federal programs, such as Medicare, are considered government providers. Companies that enter into contracts with government agencies are considered government contractors.  False Claims Act claims may be brought against both providers and contractors.  In a nutshell, any company receiving government money may be a contractor or provider.

When a contractor or provider submits false claims to the government, the government is considered the victim of the fraud.