The federal government is expected to spend more than $3 Trillion (with a “T”) dollars this year. Meanwhile, dishonest individuals and companies defraud the government by cheating on taxes or fraudulently invoicing the government for goods and services. With such staggering amounts, the government loses an enormous amount to fraud.

To prevent fraud and abuse, the federal government pays large cash awards to people who report government fraud. For instance, in one recent case, a whistleblower received more than $100 million just for reporting fraud to the government. On average, the government awards $1.17 million to whistleblowers who report fraud that the government pursues for recovery. Federal law also requires the defrauding party to pay the whistleblowers reasonable attorney fees.

Report Tax Fraud. If you know of a person or company that makes more than $200,000 per year and cheats on their taxes, the government wants to know about it. If your report results in the IRS collecting unpaid taxes, it will pay you a reward of up to 30% of the amount recovered.

Report Government Fraud. The government pays individuals and private companies to provide all kinds of goods and services, from construction to catering to Medicare. Similarly, others individuals and companies request money from government programs such as the Small Business Administration, Cash-for-Clunkers, etc. If any person provides false information to the government to receive money unjustly, the government wants to know about it. If you report such fraud and it results in the government recovering money, you may receive a reward of up to 30% of the amount recovered.

To earn the reward, however, whistleblowers much follow complicated administrative and procedural rules. Fortunately, the law allows whistleblowers to recover their reasonable attorney fees.

If you have solid information about federal government fraud, click here for an evaluation of your case and to learn your likely government reward.