You have probably heard the theory that all those who get access to state and federal funds eventually lose their minds and cannot help but engage in fraudulent activities and misuse the funds. Personal gain is all they care about it, but the worst part is that they enrich their pockets at the expense of thousands or even millions of other people.
The fraud and misuse involving federal funds is even more serious than fraud involving state money and can do much more damage to a larger group of people across the country. Although fraud involving state and federal money is a crime punishable by law, the vast majority of those who misuse state and federal funds get away with it.
Waste and misuse of federal and state money
Contrary to the popular belief, it does not necessarily have to be one individual within the state or federal government who misuses the money. Oftentimes, several people within the government or even the entire government use the money received from the state or federal budget for anything but the purpose it was given.
Overspending, money laundering, bribes, embezzlement, making false reports to receive funding that is not necessary, and providing false reports to make it look as if the money that was received for a certain purpose was used for this specific purpose. There are many tactics employed by dishonest and fraudulent officials and governments to engage in the waste and misuse of federal and state funds.
But there is actually a way to fight this. It is understandable that it is rather difficult for federal government bodies to oversee everything that goes on on the local levels to ensure that the money state and local governments receive is used appropriately.
Whistleblower protection laws in California
“A federal employee who suspects misuse or waste of state funds is often the only one who can truly fight this,” says our Los Angeles whistleblower attorney at JML Law.
And if you are employed in a state or federal government and you have found yourself in this particular situation, you are probably thinking, “There is no way of stopping this machine, I cannot wage this war alone, they will always be stronger than me.”
For all those who do not believe that they can make a difference, there are laws encouraging these employees to come forward and report fraud involving federal and state funds. Under California whistleblower protection law, anyone who reports the fraud is protected against retaliation. In fact, if they wish, their identity will remain confidential.
In addition to that, in case you experience any retaliation, your whistleblower attorney in Los Angeles or elsewhere in California will be able to get compensation on your behalf.
How to report fraud involving federal or state funds
In order to make a successful claim when you suspect that misuse or waste of federal and state funds has taken place, you need to provide as much relevant information as possible. In your report, be specific and answer the following questions:
- Who committed the fraudulent activity (person, company, government, etc.)?
- What did this party do exactly?
- Where and when did this take place?
- How was this fraudulent activity committed?
- Do you have any ideas as to why the party committed the wrongdoing?
- Who else has the knowledge of or witnessed the wrongdoing?
Failure to provide sufficient information in your claim may make it impossible to determine whether any wrongdoing has occurred. In any case, it is always a good idea to be represented by a Los Angeles whistleblower attorney to ensure that you are not being retaliated against. Contact JML Law to get a free consultation about your particular case. Call at 818-610-8800.
