False Claims Act- Qui Tam Whistleblower
The False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 - 3733 was enacted in 1863 to prevent fraud against the government. Also known as Qui Tam actions, which is an abbreviation from Latin meaning "[he] who sues in this matter for the king as [well as] for himself". Because of this statute, and amendments since its enactment, whistleblowers or relators who reveal fraud against the government in industries such as healthcare, pharmacies and others involving government contracting may act as a private attorney general. Unlike most lawsuits, complaints under the False Claims Act must be filed under seal and kept confidential. Therefore, consultation with an attorney is critical in the early stages when fraud is suspected.