Angie Kelly, Experienced Whistleblower, Shares Privacy Tips for Reporting Fraud

PATCHOGUE, N.Y., Jan. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- As you're taking the first steps towards blowing the whistle on company fraud, it's essential to know how you can protect your identity in the process. Even the most morally right whistleblowers can fall victim to retaliation, whether it's from their company, their coworkers, or even their industry. In order to best protect your identity, Angie Kelly, an experienced whistleblower advocate, is sharing the best privacy tips when you commit to reporting fraud. Read on to find out how you can protect yourself.

Document evidence privately and thoroughly. Keep close track of any suspicious papers and recordings you've gathered, making sure to store them away from any work-related technology and accounts. Have a strong password to keep this information secure and safe from any wandering eyes. It's important to be able to show your supporting evidence later on in an investigation, and the only way to ensure you can access it is to be the only person who keeps track of the documentation.

Know your rights as a whistleblower. 2002's Sarbanes-Oxley Act criminalized retaliation against whistleblowers, but any complaint has a 180-day statute of limitations. Ensure that you are indeed engaging in a protected activity, i.e. reporting real fraud, corruption, or any other violations of the law to the government through your qui tam attorney. Having protected whistleblower status can protect you against employer retaliation, such as losing your job, being demoted, or defamation.

Only speak to the authorities, your attorney, and your whistleblower advisor about your case. Though you may be tempted to tell close co-workers or trusted family members, it may put you at risk later on in the investigation. There have been cases of bribery or identity exposure against whistleblowers, so to best avoid such an outcome, it's wise to keep your findings quiet until the investigation is over.

Build up your cash reserves and have a plan in case you need to leave town. If there's even the slightest possibility that your life, loved ones, or well-being may be in danger, do not hesitate to relocate temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the situation. Have a good safety fund to survive off of for a few months in case your income becomes uncertain. These situations are rare, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Protecting your identity as a whistleblower is essential to having a successful case and safe reporting experience. Advisors at FEA are there to help you through the process and assist you in ensuring your identity remains private throughout the case, so don't hesitate to reach out when you uncover corruption or fraud within your company.

About Fraud Expert Advisors (FEA): Fraud Expert Advisors are not attorneys; they are whistleblower advocates who connect you with a whistleblower who is ready to advise others on what it's like to become a whistleblower and guide those seeking to blow the whistle on fraud through the often daunting legal process. FEA provides a safe space for whistleblowers to share information and experiences while addressing any concerns and uncertainties regarding fraud claims. FEA has a consulting team that consists of former Whistleblowers and fraud investigators. Put your trust into an FEA advisor today if you think your employer or previous employer is engaging in fraud or other illegal activities.

SOURCE Fraud Expert Advisors

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