Over 20 Years Standing Up For Whistleblowers In Nationwide Fraud Litigation

We Handle Defense Contractor Fraud And Whistleblower Cases

Last updated on June 8, 2026

If you work on defense contracts, you may notice issues that do not seem right. These may involve billing, testing, materials or contract performance. You may also worry about your role, your clearance or your career if you speak up.

Fischer Legal Group is a litigation boutique with more than 20 years of experience handling whistleblower and qui tam cases involving fraud against government programs, including defense contracting. Our attorneys work together using a streamlined approach built on years of collaboration.

If you have knowledge of misconduct tied to defense contracts, you can discuss your concerns in a private setting and understand what options may be available.

Common Types Of Defense Contractor Fraud

The first version of the False Claims Act was passed during the Civil War to protect the federal government against the wave of defense contractors that provided munitions and other supplies to the Union Army. Today’s version of the act targets every kind of fraud, including areas particular to defense contractors:

Cross-charging schemes: Contractors may move work hours or costs to the wrong contract. They may instruct staff to charge time to a cost-plus job even when the work belongs to a fixed-price project. This can happen when a project runs over budget, and it allows the contractor to shift losses to the government.
Material substitution tactics: Contractors often use cheaper or unapproved parts but bill for higher grade items. They may do this with tools, system parts or building materials. This can affect how equipment performs in the field. It may also create safety risks in defense work.
Nonconforming product delivery: Contractors may supply items that do not meet required standards but still mark them as approved. They may send faulty parts or items that do not work as expected. This can lead to system failure or poor performance. These issues may not show up until the equipment is in use.
Inflated billing practices: Contractors may add extra hours, repeat charges or raise costs tied to the work. They may spread these charges across invoices to avoid notice. This can increase the total cost of the contract. It can also make audits harder to complete.
Testing falsification practices: Contractors may skip tests, change results or record tests that did not happen. They may report that products meet standards even when they fail. This can allow unsafe or weak products to pass review. It may also hide defects that affect mission readiness.
Incomplete cost disclosures under the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA): Contractors may leave out or delay key cost details during contract talks. They may give partial or unclear data when full disclosure is required. This can affect how the government sets fair prices. It may also lead to contracts based on false cost information.

In addition, Fischer Legal Group pursues qui tam cases involving other offenses, including false and fraudulent billing, and paying or receiving kickbacks.

Cybersecurity Fraud In Defense Contracts

Cybersecurity plays a key role in defense contracts. Many systems store or send sensitive data. Contractors must follow strict rules to keep these systems secure.

Cybersecurity fraud may occur when a contractor claims to meet these rules but does not follow them. A company may report safeguards but fail to apply them across all systems, or ignore gaps and delay fixes.

These issues can expose systems to data loss or unauthorized access and may also affect system performance. People in IT or compliance roles may notice these problems during daily work.

Who Can Report Defense Contractor Fraud

The following individuals may have knowledge of fraud in defense contract work.

Employees working on defense contracts
Subcontractors involved in project work
Quality inspectors reviewing materials or systems
Engineers and program managers handling contract tasks
Procurement or accounting staff with contract knowledge

These roles often involve direct access to contract activity, which may help identify issues during daily work.

Whistleblower Protections For Defense Contractors

Reporting fraud in defense contracts may raise concerns about job security, clearance status or career impact. These concerns are common in work tied to sensitive or classified systems. Federal law includes protections for individuals who report suspected fraud or try to stop misconduct tied to government contracts.

These protections may apply to employees, contractors and agents. They may cover actions such as termination, demotion or other changes in working conditions. In some cases, individuals may seek remedies tied to lost pay or other impacts.

You can raise concerns in a private setting before taking any formal step. This may help you understand what protections may apply and how the process may affect your role.

Investigation Process And Timeline

A defense contractor fraud case may follow a defined process, but the timeline can vary based on the facts involved. After a report, the government may review records, assess the claims and evaluate the information. This stage may take time, especially in cases that involve technical or detailed contract work.

Many cases begin under seal, which means they remain private during the initial review. During this period, investigators may examine documents, speak with witnesses and analyze how the contract was performed.

Some cases move more quickly, while others require additional time due to the complexity of the issues involved and the available evidence.

Common Questions About Defense Contractor Whistleblower Cases

Individuals who consider reporting fraud in defense contracting often seek clear guidance before taking action. These questions may include the following.

What if I signed an NDA?

Signing a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) does not automatically prevent you from reporting fraud tied to government contracts. Federal law may still allow you to raise concerns about unlawful conduct. Each situation depends on the specific facts and the type of information involved.

Do I need classified information?

You do not need access to classified information to raise concerns. Many cases involve billing practices, testing procedures or contract compliance issues. What matters most is your direct knowledge of how the work was performed or reported.

How does clearance affect my case?

Security clearance concerns are common in defense roles and may affect how individuals approach reporting. Federal law may offer protections in some whistleblower cases, including for those with active clearances. The impact can depend on how the case develops and how sensitive information is handled.

What are the typical rewards?

Some cases may involve financial recovery tied to losses suffered by the government. In certain situations, individuals who report the conduct may receive a portion of that recovery. The amount can vary based on the details of the case and the individual’s level of involvement.

Are You Contemplating Filing A False Claims Complaint?

If you have knowledge of fraud against the Department of Defense or any other military procurement entity, talk to us. We can advise you on the strength of your defense contractor fraud case and help protect you from retaliation and other negative actions. We invite you to call our lawyers at 212-577-9231 or email us your questions. All conversations are confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege.