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CALIFORNIA CONSUMER AND
SECURITIES FRAUD LAWYER
CONTACT ATTORNEY THOMAS MAURIELLO
Justia Lawyer Rating for Mauriello Law Firm, APC

False Claims Act

The federal False Claims Act (FCA) allows private individuals to sue companies for fraud or theft committed on the federal government. In these suits, which are also known as “Qui Tam’” suits or “whistleblower” suits, the plaintiff sues on behalf of the US government to recover up to three times the actual amount by which the defendant defrauded the government, as well as other damages

The FCA creates a strong financial incentive for whistleblowers with personal knowledge of fraud on the US government to report that fraud. A plaintiff may receive as much as 15% to 25% of the penalties recovered in an FCA lawsuit.

The FCA was enacted during the Civil War to combat war profiteers who sold the US military defective armaments, supplies, and rations. As Abraham Lincoln so eloquently noted:

Worse than traitors in arms are the men who pretend loyalty to the flag, feast and fatten on the misfortunes of the nation while patriotic blood is crimsoning the plains of the south and their countrymen are moldering in the dust.

What began in Lincoln’s day as a concern over the unscrupulous sale of sick horses and mules, faulty rifles and ammo, and rancid provisions to the US Army and its troops has, in modern times, evolved into modern problems involving programs involving huge government spending. These problems were epitomized in the 1980s by reports of defense contractors selling armed forces $900 hammers and $500 toilet seats.

The FCA may apply wherever federal monies are received fraudulently or illegally, including but not limited to:

  • Medicare fraud
  • Medicaid fraud
  • housing programs
  • defense contracting
  • education grants
  • part suppliers
  • environmental certifications
  • emergency relief programs

Fraud on the government is theft on all of us as taxpayers. If you are a whistleblower who has been employed by or otherwise has personal knowledge of a company who has defrauded the government, contact the Mauriello Law Firm to discuss whether you have a meritorious False Claims Act case. The Mauriello Law Firm has substantial experience with False Claims Act Qui Tam cases and would be pleased to discuss your potential case, confidentially and without obligation.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Tom, thank you for your all help. Among the three other attorneys I talked with, I chose you because you really listened, asked thoughtful questions and sought all information to understand my situation. That gave me confidence in you above all others. I am a believer in receiving feedback, so I just wanted to share my thoughts with you. If I come across anyone that is looking for counsel in this industry I will certainly refer them your way. Scott Yi, Securities Registered Representative
★★★★★
Thomas was very thorough, kind and truly cared about me and my case. He went above and beyond the call of duty. Every time I contacted him he me made me feel like a very important client. His skills, intelligence and demeanor lead to a victory in the courtroom! Susan De Diminicantanio
★★★★★
As a business development consultant, there have been times to which I am in need of counsel for the review and strategic advice a range of diversified employment and compensation packages. In this sense, Thomas Mauriello has been my trusted counsel, paying particular attention to the settle nuances the language and structure of contractual agreements, and rely heavily on his expert opinion as a plaintiff's lawyer! Emma Makinen, DOAP Kitchens, LLC
★★★★★
Our Family needed an attorney who was knowledgeable with FINRA and Tom proved to be very familiar with FINRA. We found him, trustworthy, thorough, honest and sympathetic during an emotionally stressful time with our Family. Annette Hellmich
★★★★★
I would recommend Mr. Mauriello highly - - to anyone - - - wish I had more friends in the area who need an attorney! He was extremely knowledgeable, timely, courteous, - AND - he won my case! Would call him again in an instant should the need arise. Nancy Brown