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Qui Tam and the False Claims Act: Reporting Fraud Against the Government

Updated: Jun 23

Congruence Law, P.C. Represents Whistleblowers Who Expose Fraud Through Qui Tam Lawsuits

When companies defraud the government — by overbilling, falsifying certifications, or delivering defective products — taxpayers pay the price. Fortunately, the False Claims Act (FCA) empowers private individuals to help stop fraud by filing what’s known as a qui tam lawsuit on the government’s behalf.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we represent whistleblowers (also called “relators”) who bring FCA claims and seek to recover public funds lost to fraud. We protect your identity, advocate for your credibility, and help you obtain a share of the recovery as authorized by law.


What Is a Qui Tam Action?

A qui tam lawsuit allows a private citizen to sue a contractor, vendor, or grantee that knowingly submitted false claims for payment to the federal (or sometimes state) government. The case is filed under seal — meaning it is kept confidential while the Department of Justice investigates.


If the government recovers money — either by joining the case or allowing you to proceed on your own — the whistleblower may receive a reward of 15% to 30% of the total amount recovered.


Common Types of FCA Violations

False Claims Act cases arise in many sectors, including:

  • Healthcare Fraud: Billing for services not rendered, upcoding, kickbacks, or unlicensed staff

  • Defense Contractor Fraud: Inflated labor charges, fake testing, nonconforming parts

  • Procurement Fraud: Lying about small business status or Buy American Act compliance

  • Grant and Research Fraud: Misuse of public funds, fabricated data, double-billing

  • COVID Relief and PPP Loan Fraud: False certifications to obtain pandemic relief funds


Whistleblowers often include employees, compliance officers, subcontractors, or competitors who uncover the fraud.


What We Do at Congruence Law, P.C.

Qui tam cases are complex and must meet specific statutory, procedural, and evidentiary requirements. We work with whistleblowers to:

  • Analyze whether a fraud is actionable under the FCA

  • Collect evidence, internal documentation, and witness testimony

  • Prepare a sealed complaint for filing in federal court

  • Coordinate with the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys

  • Preserve your eligibility for a monetary award

  • Litigate the case if DOJ declines to intervene

  • Protect you from retaliation under 31 U.S.C. § 3730(h)


We also work with forensic accountants and investigative experts to strengthen your case and support prosecutorial interest.


Why Qui Tam Cases Require Skilled Legal Counsel

The government is inundated with FCA cases — and intervenes in only a fraction of them. To maximize your chances of success, your case must be:

  • Legally sound

  • Factually detailed

  • Procedurally precise

  • Strategically framed


Minor errors can disqualify your claim or reduce your award. We ensure your filing complies with the FCA, meets sealing requirements, and includes persuasive evidence.


Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Discussing the case publicly before filing (this may bar recovery)

  • Filing without sufficient documentary proof

  • Missing the first-to-file rule, which bars similar later-filed cases

  • Failing to act within the FCA statute of limitations (generally 6 years)

  • Not disclosing conflicts or prior disclosures to the government


Why Choose Congruence Law, P.C.

We know what makes a strong qui tam case — and what makes the government pay attention. Whether you’ve already uncovered fraud or need help documenting it, we’ll guide you through the entire process, from initial strategy to possible courtroom litigation.


If you’ve witnessed fraud against the government, don’t stay silent — and don’t go it alone.


Let us help you protect public funds — and your rights as a whistleblower.

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