Employees face a tough choice if they discover that their employer is engaging in fraudulent or illegal activity. Employees can decide to stay silent to preserve their job security, or they can bring the matter to the attention of their supervisors. Staying silent may become intolerably stressful, particularly if the fraud puts public safety at risk.
If an employee chooses to speak up about improper practices, management may not listen and instead, retaliate by terminating, demoting, or harassing the employee. There are various federal, state, and industry-specific laws in place to protect workers who choose to report fraudulent activity. Even so, a whistleblower who have been courageous enough to step forward often endure emotional and financial hardships.
The following is advice from employees who decided to act bravely and blow the whistle:
- Continually document what you see, what you hear, and who you meet with as things unfold.
- Be prepared for intimidation and retaliation from employers, coworkers, and others.
- Seek support from friends and family who may be affected by your actions.
- Make contingency plans in case you lose your job and cannot find similar employment.
- Be mindful of legal deadlines; the window for reporting fraud may be tight.
- Contact an experienced employment lawyer sooner rather than later.
It takes courage and commitment to do the right thing and expose an employer’s illegal or dishonest practices. If you or someone you know is uncertain about whether to blow the whistle, contact the Philadelphia whistleblower lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. We have successfully fought for the rights of employees who were wrongfully terminated. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 215-569-1999 today. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County. Our New Jersey office is open by appointment only.
