Who Can Be A False Claims Act Whistleblower?

The incentive to become a False Claims Act whistleblower can be eye-popping, into the tens of millions of dollars, notes Arnold & Porter attorney Marilyn May. And because the whistleblower lawsuit, called a qui tam suit, must be filed under seal, companies are unlikely to know it has been filed. During an investigation the whistleblower, or “relator,” may still be working for the company, possibly taping conversations or business meetings. More reason why any company that does business directly or indirectly with the government needs to have a compliance program with teeth.