OIG Tip vs. Qui Tam Lawsuit
Reporting fraud to an agency like the OIG is a tip. Filing a qui tam case makes you the relator in a formal lawsuit — with different rights, confidentiality rules, and award eligibility.
What an OIG tip does
A tip to the Office of Inspector General (or a similar agency hotline) alerts investigators that something may be wrong. It can start a government review, but it generally does not give you a formal role in the case or a statutory share of any recovery.
What a qui tam lawsuit does
A qui tam lawsuit is filed under the False Claims Act by a private individual — the relator — on behalf of the U.S. government. If funds are recovered, the relator can share in that recovery. The case is filed through an attorney and starts under seal, so the defendant is not told while the government investigates.
Awards, confidentiality, and your role
The two paths can differ significantly. A qui tam filing can entitle you to a share of any recovery (often 15–30%) and to anti-retaliation protections under the False Claims Act. An OIG tip typically does not. Confidentiality also works differently: the seal period is a core protection of a qui tam case, while a tip's confidentiality depends on how the agency handles it.
Equitable Claims is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is general information about the False Claims Act process, not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney.
FAQ
What's the difference between reporting to the OIG versus filing a qui tam lawsuit?
Reporting to an agency like the OIG is a tip — it alerts authorities but generally doesn't entitle you to a reward or a role in the case. Filing a qui tam lawsuit makes you the relator in a formal legal action, which can entitle you to a share of any recovery plus anti-retaliation protections.
Do I need an attorney to file a qui tam case?
Yes — qui tam cases must be filed through an attorney; relators cannot pursue them on their own. Equitable Claims connects you with experienced False Claims Act attorneys who typically work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless the case succeeds.