- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- Awareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 26
- Holiday emoji:
- ⚖️
National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day is observed every June 26. Founded by former DOJ attorney Joel D. Hesch, this day educates the public on the critical importance of reporting Trade Agreement Act (TAA) fraud. Learn how to identify violations, understand whistleblower protections, and contribute to government integrity.
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History of National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day
The National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day was founded by former Department of Justice attorney and whistleblower advocate Joel D. Hesch in 2018. Hesch now owns a law firm that specializes in representing whistleblowers and assisting them in filing for their rewards. He also published a free e-book detailing the proper method of reporting fraud against the military.
When federal government contractors supply goods in violation of the Trade Agreement Act, they have committed Trade Agreement Act Fraud. The Act states that companies with federal contracts are prohibited from using or supplying products that are imported from countries that do not have reciprocal trade agreements with the United States, doing so is regarded as fraud. Statistics prove that up to 10% of government funds is lost to fraud. It is possible that over $50 billion of military funds is lost per year. Therefore, it is important to uncover such fraudulent acts. The Department of Justice offers whistleblowers up to 30% of the amount they help to recover.
National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day timeline
The Trade Act of 1974 is enacted by the U.S. Congress.
The Trade Agreements Act is enacted to approve and implement the agreements negotiated under the Trade Act of 1974.
Hesch joins the Department of Justice as a trial attorney.
National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day is created by Hesch.
National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day FAQs
When is National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day?
National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day 2026 falls on Friday, June 26. This annual observance encourages public awareness and action against TAA fraud.
What is the Trade Agreement Act (TAA)?
The Trade Agreement Act (TAA) of 1979 requires that the U.S. government only acquire products that are ‘U.S. made or designated country end products.’ This means goods must be manufactured or substantially transformed in the U.S. or a TAA-compliant country to be sold to the federal government.
How much money has been recovered from TAA fraud?
While specific TAA fraud recovery figures vary, Joel D. Hesch, the founder of this day, personally helped recover $1.2 billion from those cheating the government during his tenure at the Department of Justice. This demonstrates the significant financial impact of such fraud.
What rewards are available to whistleblowers?
Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers who report fraud against the government can receive a share of the recovered funds, typically between 15% and 30%. Joel D. Hesch’s work alone led to hundreds of millions of dollars in whistleblower rewards.
How to Observe National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day
Download Joel Hesch's book
Hesch's ebook is free online. Download it and learn how you can play your part in ending fraud against the government.
Blow your whistle
Are you aware of any fraud against the U.S. Government? Help to bring the perpetrators to book by blowing the whistle and reporting the fraud.
Spread the word
Tell others about the importance of ending fraud against the government. Spread the word so others can join the cause.
5 Whistleblower/Fraud Statistics
The average whistleblower reward
The average reward for a whistleblower is about $349,668.
The largest whistleblower reward
The largest whistleblower reward gotten from a single case is $50 million.
Total recovery
The Department of Justice has recovered about $3 billion from military fraud cases brought to them by whistleblowers.
The total rewards paid to whistleblowers
So far, The U.S. Department of Justice has paid whistleblower rewards worth $550 million.
Settlement payments
The Department of Justice obtained over $5.6 billion in settlements and judgments from cases involving fraud and false claims against the government in 2021.
Why National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day is Important
It educates the public
This holiday brings to people's attention the negative effects of fraud, and how they can play a part in ending it. Most people are unaware of the reward program available to whistleblowers. National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day raises much-needed awareness.
It curbs fraud
Fraud is a crime that has serious repercussions on not just the government, but also, the citizens. It negatively affects the economy. This day is vital in helping to curb the menace that is fraud.
Whistleblowers get recognized
Whistleblowers are heroes who risk their lives and safety to expose financial crimes. The government doesn’t allow their good deeds to go unrewarded and offers them a large percentage of the recovered amounts. This holiday reminds the public of the whistleblower’s contribution to society.
