If you know about fraud against the government, you may have the power to stop it—and even receive a financial reward for doing so. The Illinois False Claims Act (IFCA) allows private citizens to file lawsuits on behalf of the state when businesses or individuals submit false claims for payment. This law is one of the strongest whistleblower protections in the country, and if your case is successful, you may be entitled to a substantial percentage of the recovered funds.
At Justice Legal Counsel, we help whistleblowers navigate the legal process and protect them from retaliation. If you believe you’ve uncovered fraud, contact us today to discuss your rights and options.
What Is the Illinois False Claims Act?
The Illinois False Claims Act (740 ILCS 175/1 et seq.) makes it illegal to submit false or fraudulent claims for government funds. This includes overbilling, false certifications, and failing to pay money owed to the state. The law covers fraud against state and local government agencies, including Medicaid, public contracts, and grants.
If a whistleblower (also known as a relator) files a lawsuit under the IFCA and the government recovers money, the whistleblower can receive up to 30% of the total amount recovered—which can be millions of dollars in large cases.
Examples of False Claims Act Violations
Whistleblowers have exposed fraud in many industries, leading to significant recoveries for Illinois taxpayers. Here are a few examples of cases where the IFCA applies:
1. Medicaid Fraud
- A healthcare provider bills Medicaid for services that were never provided or unnecessary procedures.
- A pharmacy overcharges for prescriptions or dispenses lower-cost drugs while billing for expensive ones.
2. Government Contract Fraud
- A company wins a government contract based on false statements about its qualifications or pricing.
- A contractor inflates costs or charges for work that was never completed.
3. Tax Fraud and Underpayment
- A business fails to pay required taxes by underreporting sales or income.
- A company uses illegal tax schemes to avoid paying what it owes to the state.
4. Education and Research Grants
- A university or research institution falsifies data to receive grant funding.
- A school submits false student enrollment numbers to qualify for more government aid.
Protections for Whistleblowers
Many potential whistleblowers fear retaliation—but the IFCA provides strong legal protections. Employers cannot fire, demote, harass, or threaten employees who report fraud. If you experience retaliation, you may be entitled to job reinstatement, double back pay, and other damages.
Additionally, whistleblower lawsuits under the IFCA are filed under seal—meaning they are kept confidential while the government investigates.
Why Work With Justice Legal Counsel?
Filing a False Claims Act case is complex, and the government often relies on whistleblowers with strong legal representation. At Justice Legal Counsel, we:
- Assess the strength of your case and advise you on your legal rights.
- Handle the filing process while protecting your confidentiality.
- Work with government investigators to build a strong claim.
- Fight for your share of any recovered funds.
If you have evidence of fraud against the government, you don’t have to fight alone. Contact Justice Legal Counsel today for a confidential consultation to learn how we can help you protect your rights and hold wrongdoers accountable.