How Do I Become an Employee Whistleblower?

To become an employee whistleblower, you will need to report wrongdoing at your place of employment to a pertinent agency or organization, usually one affiliated with the government. In some cases, all you need to do is contact a whistleblower hotline to report the fraud. You may be more successful as an employee whistleblower, though, if you can also supply the authorities with some proof of your allegations. You should also prepare for some potentially serious consequences as a result of your whistleblowing activities, and you may want to set aside some money, consider beginning a new career, or even talk to an attorney.

Reporting company fraud is typically a serious step for most people. Many people face the real risk of being fired from their jobs after becoming an employee whistleblower and may even find themselves unable to find new work in their field. An employee whistleblower may also find himself the target of accusations from his former employer, which could present significant legal and financial challenges. For this reason, you might want to find an attorney who specializes in handling whistleblower cases. He can advise you as to whether you have enough proof to justify reporting fraud, the possibility of receiving compensation for your reporting, and the chances of your losing your job.

Once you have decided to report fraud or waste, you should identify the agency or individual with whom you should file your report. In some cases, you may be provided with a phone number or other method of contact that you can use to blow the whistle on your employer. If not, you may have to do a bit of research to find out how to contact the individual or department responsible for reviewing cases of suspected fraud. After you find out whom you need to contact, you should provide them with as much documentation as possible of your claims.

During this time, it is important that you be scrupulous about your work habits, such as being on time and staying focused on your job. If you are reporting high-level fraud at your workplace, your job may be at risk, even if you live in a jurisdiction that protects whistleblowers from retaliation by employers. Don't give your employer a legitimate reason to let you go or to harm your reputation in your industry. If you have hired an attorney, keep in touch with her about your experiences at work and keep a written record of your experiences so that you can defend yourself against potential retaliation.