A Guide to Whistleblowing for Interpreters and Translators

Due to the nature of their work, interpreters and translators are privy to confidential conversations or documents that reveal potential misconduct, such as the manipulation of financial records by a company. They may be eligible for rewards under various U.S. laws, regardless of their nationality.

Written By

KKC Staff

Reviewed By

Updated

May 7, 2025

A Guide To Whistleblowing For Interpreters And Translators
Grid Half

Interpreters and translators who voluntarily provide the U.S. authorities with original, prompt, and credible information that leads to a successful enforcement action, may be eligible for whistleblower rewards under various U.S. programs.

Given their potential access to confidential communications and documents in corporate spaces, contracting, government, finance and foreign markets, interpreters and translators might be the first to identify red flags suggesting such fraud or misconduct.

If their information leads to successful enforcement actions, they could qualify for whistleblower rewards under various whistleblower programs.

Whistleblower Awards for Interpreters and Translators

U.S. whistleblower reward laws are among the best for incentivizing, compensating, and protecting whistleblowers. Some programs extend eligibility to both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, as long as the violation being reported leads to the U.S. imposing sanctions against the wrongdoer.

The programs that offer rewards include: 

Rewards are paid as a percentage of the money recovered from a qui tam lawsuit or from a claim made under the IRS, SEC or CFTC whistleblower programs. These rewards typically falls between 10% and 15%, with some programs offering awards as high as 30% of the recovered funds. There are many factors that determine the percentage a whistleblower may be eligible to recieve.

Individuals who report violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) by publicly traded companies – even those operating outside the United States – can be eligible for whistleblower rewards as well. 

An Interpreters or Translators Unique Position

Due to the nature of their work, interpreters and translators are privy to confidential conversations or documents that reveal potential misconduct, such as the manipulation of financial records by a company. They could be the first to identify red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

Interpreters and translators often bridge communication gaps between individuals from different cultures or languages. This can give them a unique perspective on how information is being conveyed and potentially manipulated. They might notice inconsistencies or discrepancies in translated documents that could signal fraudulent activity. 

Seeking Legal Assistance

Individuals contemplating reporting potential misconduct are strongly recommended to consult with an attorney experienced in the agency whistleblower programs and their regulations. This proactive step can ensure a thorough understanding of the program’s rules and eligibility criteria, including the exceptions that may enable them to qualify for a reward. 

Get in touch with our attorneys today for a free consultation. The information you share is strictly confidential and protected under attorney-client privilege. And in most cases, we only get paid if we win your case. What do you have to lose? Contact us today!

Our Firm’s Cases

  • Dr. Toni Savage

    Contract Fraud Exposed

    Dr. Tommie Savage, a seasoned contracting officer at the Army Corps of Engineers, uncovered a web of systemic corruption within the agency's Huntsville, Alabama contracting office. Her unwavering commitment to ethical government practices led to a relentless campaign of retaliation that would test her resilience and courage.

  • Andrés Olarte Peña

    Environment & Human Rights Violations Exposed

    Oil industry’s environmental crimes and cover-up in Colombia have been exposed. Whistleblower Andrés Olarte Peña, with the support of his attorneys Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and the damning evidence compiled in the Iguana Papers, is calling for an investigation into Ecopetrol and its executives by the Colombian government and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

  • Bryan Swanton

    Qui Tam Victory

    Whistleblower Bryan Swanton's qui tam lawsuit led to a $625,000 settlement against Instec Inc. for falsely claiming its Chinese-made scientific instruments were manufactured in the U.S. to secure government contracts.

Relevant FAQs

Learn the Law

Latest News

Whistleblowing

For Over 35 Years, We've Championed Whistleblowers and Held the Powerful Accountable.

Ready to blow the whistle? Our experienced team is here to protect your rights and guide you through the process. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.