Doyle Dennis LLP represents whistleblowers who report fraud or violations of the federal securities laws.  A whistleblower who provides original information may be entitled to an award of between 10 percent and 30 percent of amount collected by the SEC. Since 2010 when the program was founded, the SEC has awarded more than $1.1 billion to whistleblower, as a result of tips that helped lead to successful investigations and sanctions.

What is an SEC Whistleblower?

          A whistleblower must report violations of the Securities laws of the United States.  In addition, the information provided must be original, meaning something the SEC did not previously know.  And the information must also be voluntary.  Finally, the information must result in the SEC obtaining a successful sanction of over $1 million. Some types of violations may include:

• * Fraud, including fraudulent solicitation, misappropriation of customer funds, issuing false customer account statements, mishandling customer funds, Ponzi schemes, affinity schemes, false or misleading statements in a company’s offering memoranda or marketing materials;
• * Accounting violations and internal controls violations;
• * Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, including the payment of bribes to foreign officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business.

Can my report be anonymous?

Yes.  A SEC whistleblower who hired an attorney may be able to proceed anonymously.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to file a claim?

No. Both citizens of the United States and foreign countries may file tips with the SEC.

How do I make a report?

          Tips, Complaints or referrals should be made to the SEC, and can be submitted online through the SEC’s website.

What if my employer retaliates against me?

          Federal law, including the Dodd-Frank Act and Sarbanes Oxley Act, provide important whistleblower protections. Therefore, it is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against a whistleblower for making a protected report.

Should I hire an attorney?

          While a whistleblower can file a tip without hiring an attorney, there are some important advantages in hiring counsel.  If an attorney submits a claim with the SEC, the whistleblower may be able to stay anonymous.  In addition, experienced attorneys will have greater knowledge of the legal requirements for submitting a claim and thus increase the likelihood that the claim is accepted.  

What damages are available?

A whistleblower who provides original information may be entitled to an award of between 10 percent and 30 percent of amount collected by the SEC.