(US law) When it comes to government projects, real estate is often a key factor for success. In fact, many real estate companies and agents make great money working with the government to provide locations and facilities for these projects. Unfortunately, while most real estate companies and agents are honest in their dealings, some are not, and when these dubious companies and agents conduct fraudulent business with the government, they may be in for some trouble.
Defrauding the Government
Fraud is a matter that the government takes very seriously – so seriously that it passed the False Claims Act to combat contractor fraud. The False Claims Act is a law that allows people to sue fraudulent contractors on behalf of the government, and in return, these people receive a portion of the judgment, often up to 30 percent. People who turn in companies who are defrauding the government are often referred to as “whistleblowers”, and in most cases, they are employees of the companies that are conducting the fraud. Visit whistleblowersattorneys.com to learn much more about The False Claims Act and the rewards for whistleblowers.
How Does This Happen?
Real estate fraud against the government can happen in a variety of ways. For example, a real estate company may purposefully inflate the appraised value of a piece of property when trying to sell or lease it to the government. Additionally, an agent may not report certain problems that a piece of property is known to have in order to receive a higher price for the property. In some cases, an agent may not fully disclose the prices of similar properties in the area in an attempt to receive more money from the government. No matter how it’s conducted, however, real estate fraud against the government can lead to a lawsuit.
The Legal Process
If a whistleblower plans to blow the whistle and turn in his or her company, it’s often recommended that he or she partners with a whistleblower attorney first. These attorneys will understand the legal process in a detailed way, and they can typically make the process go much more smoothly. Whistleblower attorneys can also handle contact between the whistleblower and his or her employer during the lawsuit process, and this can make things more comfortable for the whistleblower, especially if he or she is still working for the employer. In the courtroom, an attorney can also give advice and strategies to help the whistleblower be more successful, and if need be, an attorney can also speak for the whistleblower.
Are You Ready?
If you’re in a situation where you know of fraudulent activity being conducted by your employer, you have a choice to make. Blowing the whistle sounds easy, but it can be a lengthy and complex process. In addition, there may be negative consequences that fall back on you, including the loss of your job or the loss of your good reputation within the real estate community. On the other hand, you need to consider that defrauding the government is simply wrong, and it ultimately results in higher taxes for everyone in the country. By blowing the whistle, you are doing the right thing, and as mentioned, you may be due a very hefty reward.
If you are having a tough time deciding whether or not to blow the whistle, consider consulting with an attorney first. By doing this, you’ll not only receive an outside point of view on the situation, but you’ll also receive advice regarding your options from a legal expert.
Shelby Warden is a legal researcher that contributes articles for the legal communities. If you are considering blowing the whistle on fraud, you should visit whistleblowersattorneys.com for more information. The attorneys of Goldberg Kohn secured the largest judgment in False Claims Act history and they will work to protect your rights while recovering as large a share of any recovery as possible.