Greenville False Claims Act Case Requirements

When the U.S. government or its many agencies do business with private and public organizations or individuals, it does so trusting that the involved entities will do the right thing throughout the process. This is especially true when monetary claims are involved. The government, anticipating the potential for fraud, enacted the False Claims Act (FCA), which prohibits such actions and allows whistleblowers to report them for fraudulent activity.

To ensure the claim is valid, certain criteria must be met when filing a claim in this state. Our experienced False Claims Act attorney could help clarify the Greenville False Claims Act case requirements, guide you through the process, and help with obtaining associated financial rewards.

What Qualifies as a False Claim?

While most organizations and individuals are transparent and honest in their dealings with the government, others exploit this trust to defraud the government by submitting fraudulent financial claims. Under the False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. § 3729, the law specifically considers certain actions as violations of the FCA, including

• Converting government property to one’s personal use
• Conspiring with others or planning through your actions to break the law
• Direct or participatory presentation of a false claim to the government to receive payment
• Not verifying the veracity of the information in a government property receipt that is made or delivered
• Illegally buying government property from a government worker who may not have been authorized to sell the property
• Making or issuing a false statement or record, or encouraging others to do so while preparing or submitting the fraudulent claim
• Intentionally using false records to pay money or return property to the government, reduce the amount payable, or completely avoid payment or the return of property

Anyone who engages in any of these activities violates the False Claims Act and is subject to severe penalties under federal law. Our Greenville legal team has experience with FCA cases and could help explain the requirements.

Qui Tam and Key Requirements of a False Claims Act Case

The government knows that it cannot detect all fraudulent claims without the help of citizens. This is why it established the qui tam whistleblower program. This program allows anyone who witnesses government-related fraudulent activities to file a report or bring a False Claims Act case on behalf of the government and receive a 15 to 25 percent reward if the case is concluded.

There are specific conditions required to file an FCA case in Greenville. The most important being materiality, or the ability of the fraud to influence government action or decision. Other conditions include knowledge of specific non-public or general information regarding the case, willingness to share the details with the government, and being the first person to file the case or report the fraud.

Additionally, all evidence must be kept under seal for at least 60 days or for the duration of the government investigation. All whistleblowers in South Carolina are protected by state and federal laws against retaliatory actions by their employers.

Contact a Greenville Lawyer for Help Understanding FCA Case Requirements

A False Act Claim case can be complex and confusing. You need help from a seasoned law firm with experience to explain the Greenville False Claims Act case requirements and guide you through the process. The Law Office of Bill Nettles is the leading whistleblower and FCA law firm in the state, supported by a former U.S. attorney and two well-known lawyers with 60+ years of experience between them. No one else comes close. An experienced FCA lawyer from our team could help you navigate the entire process of filing a qui tam suit. Call us now to discuss your case.