The False Claims Act not only protects taxpayer money, but can also advance good public policy. For example, a government contractor that awards subcontracts based on race is violating the False Claims Act. Same with an importer company who evades tariffs by obscuring an imported goods country of origin. Penalties for violating the Lincoln Law can be substantial. Violators must pay damages equal to three times the government’s loss, plus civil penalties of up to $28,000 per false claim. The False Claims Act is also a powerful tool for whistleblowers. If the government pursues the false claim allegation and recovers funds for taxpayers, whistleblowers are awarded 15 to 30 percent of the total recovery.

Since its revitalization in 1986, the False Claims Act has helped recover more than $59 billion for taxpayers, including $2.9 billion in 2024 alone. The False Claims Act empowers citizens, whistleblowers, and the government to fight fraud together, creating a powerful partnership for accountability. Understanding the power of the False Claims Act is essential for anyone that is interested in good governance and accountability. To learn more about Judicial Watch’s work combating government waste, fraud, and abuse, visit judicialwatch.org because no one is above the law. [tr:trw].

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