Who Can Be a Whistleblower?

Most people with original, non-public information about fraud or illegal misconduct may qualify as whistleblowers, even if they aren’t direct witnesses. Reports can come from anyone, anywhere, as long as the information relates to U.S. markets or government funds. Not all misconduct is covered, so it’s a good idea to call an attorney.

What Is It Like to Be a Whistleblower?

Blowing the whistle can be rewarding but challenging. The process often takes years, may impact your personal and professional life, and requires patience and courage, but many whistleblowers find it deeply worthwhile.

What Kinds of Wrongful Conduct Are Covered by Whistleblower Reward Laws?

Major whistleblower reward programs cover a wide range of unlawful activity. These include government fraud under the False Claims Act, securities violations (SEC), commodity violations (CFTC), tax fraud (IRS), money-laundering and sanctions violations (FinCEN), and vehicle safety violations (NHTSA). Other programs may also apply in specific circumstances.

When Is a Whistleblower Entitled to a Financial Reward?

Under most whistleblower programs, you may be entitled to a reward if you voluntarily provide original information that leads to a successful enforcement action. Rewards are typically a percentage of the sanctions and usually require submitting an application.

Antitrust Whistleblower Program

The Department of Justice (DOJ) launched a new Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program in 2025, creating a powerful incentive for individuals to report illegal activities that harm market competition. This program marks a significant step in the fight against corporate bad acts by rewarding those who come forward with crucial information about price-fixing, bid-rigging, and other collusive behavior that drives up prices for consumers and government purchasers. At Whistleblower Partners, our experienced attorneys are uniquely skilled in representing whistleblowers, and we stand ready to guide you through this new landscape, ensuring your report is handled with the professionalism and dedication it deserves. We’re prepared to help you take action against antitrust crimes. We are with you every step of the way.

Understanding the Antitrust Whistleblower Program

The primary goal of this new program is to uncover secret antitrust crimes that undermine fair competition and unfairly raise prices. In partnership with the United States Postal Service (USPS), the DOJ’s Antitrust Division can now offer financial rewards to individuals who report offenses that harm consumers and taxpayers.

Historically, the government has relied on companies to self-disclose violations. This program shifts that dynamic by empowering individuals with firsthand knowledge to become another line of defense against corporate misconduct.

To report a crime, you or your counsel should contact the Antitrust Division directly through their dedicated whistleblower webpage. To qualify for a reward, the information you provide must be specific, credible, and not already known to the government. If your report leads to a successful enforcement action with fines exceeding $1 million, you may be eligible for a significant monetary reward—up to 30% of the recovered criminal fines.

What Types of Offenses are Covered?

The program targets specific criminal activities that secretly rig the system for corporate gain. These offenses hurt everyday consumers by driving up prices and harm honest businesses by making it impossible to compete fairly.

Examples of targeted antitrust crimes include:

Price-Fixing: Competitors secretly agree to set prices at a certain level, eliminating natural market competition.
Bid-Rigging: Companies collude to decide who will win a bidding process, often taking turns to secure contracts at inflated prices.
Market Allocation: Competitors divide markets, territories, or customers among themselves to avoid competing.

These illegal agreements can occur in any industry, from healthcare and agriculture to transportation and government contracting. By stifling competition, they force consumers and taxpayers to overpay for essential goods and services.

The Critical Role of Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are essential in the fight against antitrust fraud. Because these crimes are committed in secret, individuals with inside knowledge are often the only ones who can expose them. Your firsthand account can provide the critical evidence needed to break through the walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable.

The DOJ recognizes the courage it takes to speak up. This new program provides not only a financial incentive but also an official channel to ensure your information reaches the right authorities. With the support of experienced legal partners, you can report wrongdoing with confidence, knowing you have a dedicated team on your side.

Stand for Fair Competition

The Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program is a game-changer in promoting a fair and competitive marketplace. It provides a clear path for individuals to expose illegal schemes and be rewarded for their courage. If you have information about price-fixing, bid-rigging, or other antitrust violations, you have the power to make a difference.

Navigating whistleblower programs can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. The attorneys at Whistleblower Partners have a proven track record of helping clients successfully report fraud and secure rewards. We are here to provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.