Things to Know About the False Claims Act

The False Claims Act was enacted to fight fraud against the US government. It works by providing financial incentives to people to encourage them to come forward with information regarding any fraud committed against the government. To this day, this act has been one of the most effective weapons to fight the fraud against the government. A False Claims attorney can help you understand the Act and the proceedings surrounding it better. 

Who can file a False Claims suit?

False Claims suits can be filed by any person who has information of fraud against the government, except for those who are to be members of the US armed forces. Unlike other statutes intended to fight fraud against the government, the False Claims Act allows individuals to file their own cases and pursue action under the Act in federal court. This is a special right granted only by the False Claims Act, and a False claims attorney will help you in your quest to help the government fight fraud. 

Most common violation of the Act

Healthcare fraud is one of the most common violations of the False Claims Act. Activities like improper billing, receiving kickbacks, overcharging, etc. are the commonly observed violations of the Act. Healthcare providers, practitioners, pharmacies, etc. can be reported for fraud under the Act, with the help of experienced healthcare fraud attorneys. The punishments meted out by the False Claims Act on those convicted include loss of license to practice, severe penalties, and imprisonment.

The potential rewards given by the Act

The False Claims Act provides for individuals to receive as a reward up to 30% of the amount recovered by the government from the defaulter. It is imperative that a healthcare fraud attorney is retained to ensure that prosecuting under this Act is seen to the end successfully. In addition to being an incentive, this reward money acts as a compensation for the efforts made by the individual to help fight fraud. Both the government, and the individual benefit from the rewards that the False Claims Act provide.