The False Claims Act is the U.S. government’s primary tool for combating fraud in government contracts and federally funded programs, and it is a leading weapon in the fight against health care fraud.
What Is The False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act (FCA) is a law that was passed in 1863 to help fight fraud against the government. Under the FCA, those who knowingly present false or fraudulent claims for payment from the government can be liable for damages and fines.
The FCA imposes liability on those who submit false statements to the federal government, knowing them to be false and with the intent of defrauding or otherwise harming it.
There are four main types of fraud that can be investigated under this act: fraud concerning federal funds, fraud concerning military equipment, fraud concerning goods or services, and fraud concerning federally insured loans or mortgages. The law also protects whistleblowers who report fraud and abuse, as well as those who refuse to participate in it.
Why Are False Claims Harmful?
Every year, companies defraud the government of billions of dollars by submitting claims for goods and services that they never delivered to the government.
To file a false claim, you must be able to prove that the other party knowingly filed a false claim.
Someone who has been falsely accused of violating the False Claims Act should contact an experienced false claims act attorney for Chicago as soon as possible.
For a false claims act attorney in Chicago, contact Zimmerman Law Offices today.