National Whistleblower Reward Day is celebrated on February 20 every year. It is a day that has been set aside to create awareness against fraud and encourage people to report fraud against the government. Do you know that fraud costs the government billions of dollars every year? Yes, fraud costs the government 10% of all expenditures or a staggering $350 billion annually. In order to tackle this vice, the government has turned to whistleblowers for assistance. So, what precisely is National Whistleblower Reward Day, and how does the system of rewards operate? Here’s how everything comes together.
History of National Whistleblower Reward Day
Any community or industry can be weakened and crippled by corruption, fraud, and unlawful activity, but sadly, these things frequently go unreported. These can stop by engaging in whistleblowing, that is reporting or outing criminal activity to the authorities to protect the public’s perception and America’s sanity.
National Whistleblower Reward Day was established by Joel Hesch to bring awareness to available whistleblower rewards for reporting fraud against the government. Hesch worked in the national whistleblower reward office of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., for 16 years. He formed his firm to exclusively represent whistleblowers’ files for rewards under federal and state whistleblower rewards. Currently, three main whistleblowers programs in the U.S. pay significant monetary rewards to whistleblowers who report fraud against the government. The U.S. Department of Justice (D.O.J.) runs the largest whistleblower reward program under the False Claims Act. Whistleblowers will get paid for reporting any type of fraud against any of the more than 20 different agencies or programs. These include Medicare, the Military, Homeland Security, and more.
If you want to be eligible for a reward for reporting fraud against the government, you must hire an attorney and file a ‘qui tam’ suit in court alleging the fraudulent billings to the government. Fraud in the government is an epidemic, and we need whistleblowers. So, take the right decision to save your country and its people.
National Whistleblower Reward Day timeline
Whistleblowers investigate and expose a senior officer’s abuse of British prisoners.
Congress approves and passes the Whistleblower Protection Act.
An American Lawer, Stephen Kohn, establishes the National Whistleblower Center.
Joel D. Hesch establishes The Hesch Firm using his expertise to represent whistleblowers set to be rewarded.
National Whistleblower Reward Day FAQs
What is an example of whistleblowing?
Whistleblowing is when employees report wrongdoing that they believe is in the public interest. A few examples of whistleblowing include criminal activity, such as theft or unethical or unjust behavior in the workplace.
Is whistleblowing ethical?
Yes, whistleblowing is as ethical as the practices it exposes are unethical. There are a lot of misconceptions that whistleblowers are snitches and are wrong. But this bad reputation is caused by the accused trying to defame the whistleblowers.
What qualifies someone as a whistleblower?
To be considered a whistleblower in the U.S., most federal whistleblower statutes require that federal employees have reason to believe their employer violated some law, rule, or regulation.
How to Observe National Whistleblower Reward Day
Educate others
Educating others about whistleblowing and its benefits is the best way to observe National Whistleblower Reward Day. These individuals' courageous deeds ought to be honored and praised.
Blow the whistle
One of the impactful ways in which you can take part in National Whistleblower Reward Day is by reporting fraud. Yes, if you have been patient for a long time about the fraud in your organization, this is your time to step up.
Learn the law
If you’re someone who has experience or knowledge in whistleblowing, you can share your story. You can also research protective laws for whistleblowers in your local areas.
5 Interesting Facts About Whistleblowers
It pays well
The average reward for reporting fraud is over $500,000.
Whistleblowers need to be protected
In 2011, 31% of whistleblowers experienced physical attacks on their property.
Rewards for Medicare frauds
Reporting Medicare fraud rewards 15% to 20% of the amount D.O.J. recovers.
The highest reward
The highest reward has reached $150 million in a single case.
Most fall in this category
About 60% of whistleblowing relates to people’s concerns about general regulatory actions.
Why National Whistleblower Reward Day is Important
We need this day
National Whistleblower Reward Day is a much-needed day. It tackles fraud, illegal activities, and other negative aspects of society as well as encourages people to take the right action and get a reward.
It serves justice
Whistleblowers help shed light on the corruption that would otherwise go unnoticed. When they choose to report fraud, they help justice reach places it wouldn’t otherwise and it therefore should be observed.
It celebrates law enforcement
Law enforcement infrastructure and the people behind it keep us safe and protected from all the wrongs and harmful things happening around us. But these laws only benefit us if the authorities enforce them. Whistleblowers make sure that these laws are enacted.
National Whistleblower Reward Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 20 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 20 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 20 | Tuesday |
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