Congress and state legislatures understand the risks whistleblowers take. In certain cases, those who report fraud related to government contracting, securities, or tax evasion can receive substantial financial rewards if the government recovers funds. For example:

• Cheryl Eckard, a quality assurance manager at GlaxoSmithKline, received $96 million after exposing inadequate safety procedures. Her actions led to a $750 million fine against her employer and significant policy changes.
• Joseph Thomas, a lab analyst at Duke University, received $33.75 million after uncovering falsified research involving NIH and EPA grant money. His efforts helped the government recover $122 million.
• Bradley Birkenfeld, a banker at UBS, was awarded $104 million after reporting tax evasion by bank clients, despite serving prison time for his involvement in the scheme.
• Last year, an anonymous tipster to the SEC received a $279 million reward for reporting corporate misconduct, highlighting the substantial protections and rewards available through the SEC whistleblower program.

While these cases represent extraordinary outcomes, they underscore the potential impact and rewards for whistleblowers. However, the primary motivation should always be a genuine desire for change. Significant financial incentives exist, but they should not be the sole driving force.

Whistleblower laws and programs vary widely, with complex procedures that can easily trip up the inexperienced, including some lawyers. This is why working with an experienced whistleblower attorney is essential. Additionally, most whistleblower awards go to the first person who reports to the authorities, making it crucial to act quickly.
Our team has extensive experience as former government attorneys working alongside whistleblowers. If you suspect your employer is breaking the law or acting unethically, contact us immediately. Consultations are free, and in most whistleblower cases, we work on a contingency basis—meaning you don’t pay anything unless you win.