A Guide to Whistleblowing for Interpreters and Translators

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.

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: 

• False Claims Act / Qui Tam Provision 
• IRS Whistleblower Program 
• SEC Whistleblower Program 
• CFTC Whistleblower Award Program 
• Anti-Money Laundering Act

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. 

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. 

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!