New Jersey False Claims Act

Fraud and waste are tremendous problems in state government. It means an inflated budget that provides fewer services and weaker infrastructure. In an effort to root out fraud and waste, the state legislature passed a law that empowers employees of government contractors and providers of government services who spot fraud to bring it to light: the New Jersey False Claims Act (NJFCA).

If you blow the whistle on an employer for defrauding the State of New Jersey, you could not only save taxpayer money, you could be rewarded for your good deed.

NJFCA Lawyer

At Console Mattiacci Law, LLC, our skilled attorneys help whistleblowers in New Jersey file lawsuits against fraudulent actors under the New Jersey False Claims Act. For exposing an employer who is defrauding the state government, you could earn a significant portion of the funds you help recover.

We are experienced at handing state “qui tam” actions under the NJFCA. Our lawyers have been recognized by our peers for our skill, knowledge, and passion for assisting whistleblowers. Call us today at 215-545-7676 to set up a consultation.

We have an office in Moorestown, New Jersey, and represent people across the state of New Jersey, including, but not limited to, Camden, Burlington, Monmouth, Atlantic, Ocean, and Mercer Counties.

Acts Covered Under the NJFCA

The New Jersey False Claims Act lays out several different fraudulent acts that may lead to a cause of action. Each requires doing an act “knowingly” or “knowing” something. For the purposes of the law, under N.J.S.A. § 2A:32C-2, this means actual knowledge, acting in “deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the information,” or acting in “reckless disregard.”

The acts, in N.J.S.A. § 2A:32C-3, include:

• Knowingly presenting or causing to be presented a false claim for payment or approval to the state or any contractor or recipient of state funds;
• Knowingly making, using or causing to be used or made a false statement or record to present for a false claim from the state;
• Conspiring to defraud the state through false claims;
• Having possession, custody or control of property of the state and knowingly delivering less than the amount on the receipt or certificate;
• When authorized to make a document certifying property used or to be used by the state, making or delivering the receipt without completely knowing the information is true with the intent to defraud;
• Knowingly buying or receiving, as a pledge toward an obligation or debt, state property from a person not authorized to sell it; and
• Knowingly using or making a false record to conceal, avoid or decrease an obligation to pay money or transmit property to the state.

Filing a Lawsuit Under NJFCA

If your employer commits any of these acts, you may file a lawsuit. The lawsuit is sealed for 60 days and not served to the defendant. When the suit is filed, you must also notify the state attorney general. The state attorney will decide whether or not to intervene.

If the employer is found by the court to have defrauded the government, it is liable for up to three times the amount of damages it caused the state. However, if the employer furnishes the state with information within 30 days and fully cooperates with the investigation, the damages may be reduced to twice as much.

If the attorney general intervenes, you may continue involvement with the suit and earn 15 to 25 percent of those damages. If the AG does not intervene, you may earn up to 30 percent.

Assisting New Jersey Whistleblowers with NJFCA Claims

At Console Mattiacci Law, LLC, we are experienced with filing claims under the New Jersey False Claims Act, saving taxpayer money and rewarding workers who shine the light on fraud and waste. If you are aware of wrongful conduct occurring at your New Jersey employer, resulting in fraud upon the New Jersey state government, call us today at 215-545-7676 to set up a consultation. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.