Fighting Government Fraud: How Whistleblowers Can Expose Corruption and Get Legal Protection

Government programs are meant to serve the public, not pad corporate profits or political agendas. But every year, billions of taxpayer dollars are lost to fraud, waste, and abuse. Whether it’s a contractor overbilling for defense projects, a vendor delivering fake goods, or an agency insider misusing funds, the impact is real: higher costs, broken systems, and eroded public trust.

If you’ve seen it happening and are ready to speak up, you’re not alone.

At Morgan & Morgan, we work with whistleblowers to expose government fraud, protect their legal rights, and help them seek justice. In many cases, those who come forward may also be eligible for financial rewards when their information leads to a recovery.

What Is Government Fraud?

Government fraud occurs when individuals, companies, or organizations knowingly cheat or deceive the government for financial gain. It can involve local, state, or federal programs, and often targets areas with large budgets or limited oversight.

Common examples include:

• Defense contract fraud: Inflated costs, false invoices, or low-quality materials in military contracts
• Grant fraud: Misusing public funds or lying on grant applications
• Procurement fraud: Rigging bids, falsifying eligibility, or substituting cheaper goods
• Disaster relief fraud: Faking damages or expenses during the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or federal relief programs
• Infrastructure and construction fraud: Cutting corners on taxpayer-funded projects or billing for work not done
• Fraud by government employees: Abuse of authority, misappropriation of funds, or cover-ups

These actions cost money, but they also hurt communities, undermine public trust, and divert critical resources from the people who need them most.

Who Commits Government Fraud?

Government fraud can happen in both the private sector and public agencies. It’s often committed by:

• Private contractors or vendors
• Corporations doing business with the government
• Nonprofits or universities receiving grants
• Government employees or agency insiders
• Political consultants or lobbyists

Whistleblowers are usually the people closest to the misconduct; employees, auditors, analysts, or insiders who recognize something isn’t right.

Why Whistleblowers Are Key

In many cases, fraud against the government is carefully hidden, buried in invoices, budgets, or administrative systems. It’s hard to detect without someone on the inside sounding the alarm.

Whistleblowers have helped uncover some of the largest fraud cases in U.S. history, from fraudulent defense contracts to shady COVID-19 relief applications. Their efforts have:

• Returned billions to government programs
• Sparked investigations and criminal charges
• Protected taxpayer resources
• Led to stronger laws and oversight
• Stopped fraud in its tracks

Your voice could be the one that makes a difference.

Legal Protections for Whistleblowers

Blowing the whistle on government fraud can feel risky, especially if it involves a powerful company or government agency. But there are strong legal protections in place.

The False Claims Act is one of the most important whistleblower laws in the country. It allows private citizens to file qui tam lawsuits on behalf of the government when they have evidence of fraud involving public funds or contracts.

A qui tam action — from a Latin phrase meaning “on behalf of the king and themselves” — lets whistleblowers hold fraudsters accountable and receive a portion of any funds recovered.

Whistleblowers are also protected from retaliation under federal and many state laws. It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, harass, or punish you for reporting misconduct.

You May Be Entitled to a Financial Reward

If your whistleblower claim leads to the government recovering money, you may be entitled to 15% to 30% of the total recovery. This can include:

• Overpayments returned by government contractors
• Penalties paid by fraudulent companies
• Settlements from False Claims Act lawsuits

These rewards can often total hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

What to Do If You Suspect Government Fraud

If you’ve witnessed fraud against a government program or agency, acting quickly and carefully is important. Here’s how to protect yourself and your claim:

• Document everything: Gather reports, invoices, emails, or other evidence, legally and discreetly.
• Avoid internal confrontation: Confronting wrongdoers may backfire or lead to retaliation. Speak to an attorney first.
• Protect your privacy: Use a personal device for research and legal consultations, not company equipment.
• Consult a whistleblower attorney: These cases are complex and time-sensitive. A lawyer can help you file the proper paperwork, stay protected, and pursue a reward if applicable.

Why You Need a Whistleblower Attorney

Filing a whistleblower claim is not like reporting a typical workplace complaint. It’s a federal legal action, often involving sensitive information, multiple agencies, and powerful interests.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have the experience, resources, and national reach to handle high-stakes government fraud cases. Whether you're reporting a fraudulent grant, a rigged government contract, or agency corruption, we’ll stand by you from start to finish.

We’ll protect your rights, fight for your voice to be heard, and we won’t get paid unless we win.

Morgan & Morgan Fights Government Fraud, With You

You don't have to stay silent if you’ve seen fraud against a federal, state, or local agency, whether in defense, healthcare, disaster relief, or any other program.

At Morgan & Morgan, we fight For The People, including those who blow the whistle. You deserve protection, and the public deserves the truth.

Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation. You may be eligible for legal protection, a financial reward, and the chance to make real change.