It is natural to have concerns about privacy and safety when acting as a whistleblower. The threat of retaliation at work is always possible, making it helpful to remain out of public sight for as long as possible when collaborating with the government.
Anonymity in Columbia whistleblower cases may be possible depending on the specific program. However, even when you are required to submit this information publicly, a dedicated whistleblower attorney could help shield you from retaliation. Call Bill Nettles, Attorneys at Law, today for more information.
Certain programs allow whistleblowers to submit their information anonymously. However, some of the most commonly used options—including the —do not provide this option. A lawyer in Columbia could answer questions on when anonymity in whistleblower cases is possible.
Programs operating within the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission allow whistleblowers to file their complaints anonymously. The only requirement is that they be represented by an attorney who can connect directly with the federal government on their behalf.
Acting as a whistleblower and recovering an award while remaining anonymous is possible. A lawyer could handle every aspect of the case, from submitting information to the authorities to filing a qui tam lawsuit for a reward.
There are other ways to protect whistleblowers in Columbia beyond total anonymity. For example, when False Claims Act cases are initially filed, they are done under seal. That means the public is not able to access the information included in the lawsuit. While this is not the same as anonymity, it does shield the whistleblower’s identity during the early stages of the case.
Eventually, the seal will be lifted. This allows for a situation where the whistleblower’s employer, friends, or family might become aware that they have cooperated with the government. Thankfully, there are other protections in place for Columbia whistleblower cases beyond anonymity.
It is against the law to retaliate against someone for cooperating with the government in a fraud investigation. Some common examples include terminating employment, demoting someone, passing them over for a promotion, or cutting their pay.
When an employer retaliates, a whistleblower can hold them accountable through legal action. A retaliation lawsuit can force a company to return a whistleblower to their position and pay for their lost wages. Other financial damages might also apply.
An essential caveat to anonymity when acting as a whistleblower is that while the federal government has the power to keep a person’s identity a secret in some situations, there are limits when the person accused of wrongdoing faces criminal charges.
If the whistleblower is called as a witness for the prosecution in a criminal trial, the defendant has the right to face the accuser. This means knowing their identity regardless of any promised protections or anonymity. This is only an issue when the whistleblower is intended to testify as a witness at trial.
If you are thinking about acting as a whistleblower, you have the right to protect your privacy. The federal government can take some steps to shield you from publicity, but anonymity in Columbia whistleblower cases is not always guaranteed. Call us as soon as possible to learn more about your options for protecting yourself.
