Defense Contractor Whistleblower Attorney in New York

The United States has a substantial defense budget, and military contractors frequently mismanage it. Do not let private contractors take advantage of our military and tax dollars. Confidentially discuss potential fraud with experienced New York whistleblower claims attorney Peter Katz.

Using the False Claims Act to Counter Military Contractor Fraud

The False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729–3733, is the federal government’s primary tool for countering contractor fraud. Although it currently covers everything from inflated health insurance claims to forged customs forms, this Civil-War-era legislation was initially passed to address widespread defense contractor fraud. It still serves this purpose today, allowing defense contractor and subcontractor employees in New York to report fraudulent military spending and claims.

Examples of Military Contractor Fraud

The most common types of defense contractor fraud include:

• Covering up cybersecurity failures
• Submitting false or inflated claims for payment (overbilling)
• Failing to return overpayments
• Mismanaging government funds
• Bidding and pricing violations
• Bribery
• Cross-charging
• Falsifying records
• Product substitution

If you suspect that a military contractor or subcontractor is misusing government funds or lying during the procurement process, please get in touch with whistleblower protection lawyer Peter Katz immediately.

Understanding ‘Qui Tam’ Actions in New York

The government lacks the necessary resources to audit and investigate every defense contractor. As such, the FCA provides for something called ‘qui tam’ actions. These private civil lawsuits allow defense contractor whistleblowers, generally employees or subcontractors, to file an FCA lawsuit on the government’s behalf. These are called ‘qui tam’ actions, and the whistleblowers are called ‘relators.’

The initial case is sealed – meaning it’s hidden from your employer – until the government reviews the claim. Federal lawyers can take over the action, or if you’re working with reputable legal counsel, you can allow your lawyer to pursue the claim. Either way, relators may be entitled to substantial financial payouts for blowing the whistle on defense contractor fraud in New York. 

Financial Awards and Protections for Whistleblowers

Blowing the whistle on powerful defense contractors comes with risks. For this reason, it is advisable to work with an experienced whistleblower attorney to protect yourself and maximize your financial incentives.

Anti-Retaliation Protections under the FCA

Even if you’re wrong about suspected fraud, the FCA protects good-faith whistleblowers from employer retaliation. An employer/contractor cannot take any adverse employment action against you, including creating a hostile work environment, for reporting or participating in an investigation. You may be entitled to financial damages for any retaliatory actions.

Obtaining Valuable Financial Damages

The government estimates that nearly 80% of all successful FCA claims start as whistleblower actions. In exchange for helping the government protect its assets, whistleblowers are entitled to between 15% and 30% of the overall financial recovery. The Department of Justice estimates that relators who exposed contractor and claims fraud, including military contractor fraud, recovered over $400 million last year.

NY Military Contractor Whistleblower Lawyer

Defense contractor whistleblower attorney Peter Katz can help whistleblowers remain anonymous and recover substantial damages, including attorneys’ fees and costs, for exposing fraud. Confidentially discuss potential mismanagement of defense funds today. Call (609) 849-3179 or contact us online.