SAN DIEGO, July 23, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Robbins Umeda LLP issues this press release to alert private citizens of recent significant developments relating to the False Claims Act (Title 31 U.S.C. Sections 3729-3733). The False Claims Act allows private citizens to bring lawsuits (sometimes referred to as "qui tam" actions) against parties who have defrauded the federal government. Often, False Claims Act cases involve allegations of defense contract fraud or healthcare fraud. The private citizens who bring these actions on behalf of the government are sometimes referred to as "whistleblowers," "relators," or "qui tam plaintiffs." To encourage people who are aware of fraud against the government to bring these actions, the False Claims Act authorizes "whistleblowers" to be awarded a percentage of any proceeds recovered in a False Claims Act action or settlement.
In May 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act ("FERA") into law in an effort to prevent mortgage fraud. The FERA expands and clarifies the scope of the False Claims Act in critical ways that are beneficial to those who are concerned about fraud against the government. Among other things, the amendments to the False Claims Act increase exposure for government contractors and sub-contractors.
Are you aware of any false claims being submitted to the government? If so, you might be affected by the recent beneficial changes to the False Claims Act.
For more information about the False Claims Act or Robbins Umeda LLP's experience with False Claims Act cases, please feel free to contact attorney Brian J. Robbins or the Client Relations Department of Robbins Umeda LLP toll free at 1-800-350-6003, or via e-mail at caseinfo@robbinsumeda.com.