If a whistleblower reports fraudulent or illegal activity to the government and the government decides not to pursue the case, the whistleblower may still be able to pursue legal action under the False Claims Act (FCA) or other applicable laws.
The FCA allows private citizens, including whistleblowers, to file lawsuits on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery of funds that result from the lawsuit. If the government declines to intervene in the lawsuit, the whistleblower can still pursue the case on their own.
In addition to the FCA, other laws such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act may also provide protections for whistleblowers who report fraud or illegal activity to the government or other appropriate authorities.
It is important for whistleblowers to seek legal advice if the government declines to pursue a case, as the legal process can be complex and challenging. An experienced attorney can help whistleblowers understand their options and protect their rights throughout the legal process.