The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforces securities laws and oversees transactions in the financial market. The organization’s established whistleblower program helps deter fraudulent activity and other crimes related to investment laws and federal banking.
To encourage individuals to come forward and provide credible information that helps the SEC recover monetary sanctions from these crimes, whistleblowers are often offered a financial reward for their cooperation. With the legal guidance of an experienced whistleblower attorney, individuals can maximize their potential for receiving a Columbia SEC whistleblower award.
The U.S. Congress established the SEC whistleblower program to encourage more citizens to report timely, credible, and specific information relating to potential federal securities violations while protecting their identity. Whistleblowers in Columbia who voluntarily provide original intel that results in an SEC enforcement action may be eligible for a monetary award.
When sanctions exceed one million dollars, the award can range from 10%-30% of the money collected. Since the program’s inception, over $2.2 billion has been distributed in awards to whistleblowers for providing reliable information.
A whistleblower is an individual or group who provides the SEC with actionable tips to help recover financial sanctions for fraudulent activity and regulate the financial market. Anyone, regardless of citizenship, can report fraud if they are not an employee of the justice department, a member of a regulatory agency, or a law enforcement officer. All information provided must be:
To qualify for a whistleblower award, the SEC must be able to collect at least one million dollars in monetary sanctions from your tip-off. A knowledgeable and experienced Colubmia SEC whistleblower attorney can help you present facts in a way that maximizes the likelihood of having your information investigated and optimizes your chances of receiving a monetary award.
With significant funds at stake in federal investigations, employers often attempt to prevent whistleblowers from taking action. The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 enables the SEC to protect the confidentiality of whistleblowers employed in the financial sector, so your identity never gets disclosed. It is also unlawful for an employer to take the following actions against you for reporting them for illegal activity:
Working with our Columbia whistleblower attorneys experienced in SEC reporting allows you to remain anonymous while doing your duty and receiving an award. If your identity is exposed, you should have the benefit of skilled legal representation on your side to protect your best interests while pursuing financial compensation.
It can be overwhelming to report a crime, especially against your employer. People often worry about losing their jobs, being harassed, or becoming involved in an ongoing legal battle. Columbia SEC whistleblower awards are put in place to encourage individuals like you to do the right thing and report financial wrongdoings. Working with an experienced legal team can reduce your stress, protect your identity, and maximize your potential award.
If you are considering filing a claim, contact Bill Nettles, Attorney at Law, to learn more about getting started with filing your SEC whistleblower claim. With decades of experience, our professional legal team can simplify the process and protect your rights.
