Falseclaimsrealconsequences

Shows

False Claims, Real Consequences Do I Qualify as a Whistleblower Under the False Claims Act?Episode Summary: In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, host Lisa Mosbey is joined by Stephen Teller, an experienced employment and whistleblower attorney, to delve into the intricacies of qualifying as a whistleblower under the False Claims Act. Stephen shares insights on what constitutes protected activity at work, focusing on fraud against the federal government. He explains the importance of identifying how the government is harmed and the necessity of proving intentional misconduct. The discussion covers the roles that often uncover fraud, the significance of federal money, and the process of filing a claim. Stephen also...

2026-05-2614 min

False Claims, Real Consequences Consulting vs. Litigation: When to Get a Lawyer, When to Get AdviceEpisode Summary: In this episode of *False Claims, Real Consequences*, attorney Stephen Teller discusses the importance of seeking legal advice early on in workplace issues. He emphasizes the significance of understanding legal rights, identifying protected classes, and distinguishing between communication issues and legal matters. Early consultation with a lawyer can prevent situations from escalating and offer clarity on potential legal actions. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Importance of Seeking Legal Advice Early 03:45 – Differentiating Communication and Legal Issues 06:10 – Consulting vs. Litigation 09:25 – Providing Documentation to a Lawyer 11:40 – Expectations...

2026-04-2815 min

False Claims, Real Consequences From Discrimination to Documentation: How to Build a Case at WorkEpisode Summary: In this episode of *False Claims, Real Consequences*, attorney Stephen Teller shares valuable insights on the importance of documenting workplace discrimination and retaliation. From seeking legal advice early to understanding protected activities, Stephen emphasizes the power of documentation in safeguarding your rights and building a solid case. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:30 – Importance of Seeking Legal Advice Early 03:45 – Strategies for Effective Documentation 05:20 – Using Emails and Messages as Evidence 07:10 – Handling Documentation While Employed 09:05 – Recognizing and Addressing Retaliation 11:20 – Differentiating Workplace Drama and Discrimination 13:40 – S...

2026-03-3115 min

False Claims, Real Consequences Inside the Life of a Whistleblower: Legal, Financial, and Emotional RealitiesEpisode Summary Blowing the whistle on corporate misconduct is not just a legal decision—it’s a deeply personal one with lasting consequences. In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller explores the hidden realities whistleblowers face, including career risks, financial uncertainty, emotional strain, and retaliation in the workplace. Stephen Teller shares strategies for protecting identity, coping with stress, documenting violations, and safeguarding one’s future while pursuing what is right. He explains how whistleblower cases unfold, what retaliation typically looks like, and why it’s crucial to strike a balance between...

2025-12-0919 min

False Claims, Real Consequences Help! I’m Being Managed Out of My JobEpisode Summary Being “managed out” of a job is one of the most confusing and isolating experiences an employee can face. In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, whistleblower and employment attorney Stephen Teller explains what it means to be managed out, how to recognize the warning signs, and what steps employees can take to protect their careers. Stephen Teller shares practical strategies for navigating unfair performance improvement plans, understanding when employer actions might cross into illegal territory, and how to delay or improve the outcome of a forced separation. He also offers guidance on when...

2025-11-1115 min

False Claims, Real Consequences Beyond the Big Purchase: What Real PPP Fraud Looks Like, and How to Win a Whistleblower CaseEpisode Summary In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, attorney Stephen Teller dives deep into what truly makes a strong Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud case. While flashy purchases like trucks or equipment might raise eyebrows, Stephen explains why the strongest cases come from eligibility violations, misuse of funds, and insider knowledge. From marijuana businesses to private clubs, Stephen breaks down which companies were outright ineligible, how oversight gaps allowed fraud to slip through, and what whistleblowers need to know before stepping forward. This conversation provides valuable insight into PPP loan abuse, False Claims Act filings...

2025-10-1416 min

False Claims, Real Consequences Is This a Legal Complaint? 9 Common Workplace Issues That Might Be More Serious Than You ThinkSummary: In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, employment attorney Stephen Teller unpacks one of the most common questions employees face: Is what I’m experiencing at work actually illegal—or just unfair? With over 20 years of experience advocating for workers, Stephen breaks down the difference between toxic management and unlawful workplace behavior, including discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, wage issues, and contract violations. He also explains the challenges of proving a case, why documentation matters, and how employees can protect themselves if something feels “off” at work. Whether you’re navigating a hostile work environment, facing an unfair...

2025-09-1521 min

False Claims, Real Consequences On a Pivot Plan? When Amazon’s Performance Coaching Is Really a Push-Out, Part 2Episode Summary Attorney Stephen Teller continues the discussion on Amazon’s Focus and Pivot performance management programs, highlighting their use as tools to push employees out. The episode examines the stress caused by rigid and subjective performance expectations, the benefits of medical leave under the FMLA and ADA, and the importance of documenting unfair treatment. It offers guidance on when to seek legal counsel and how to protect employee rights during performance plans. Key Timestamps 00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome 01:30 - Impact of Pivot Program’s Stress on Employees 05:00 - Role of Medical Prof...

2025-08-1320 min

False Claims, Real Consequences On a Pivot Plan? When Amazon’s Performance Coaching Is Really a Push-Out, (Part 1)Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode, employment attorney Stephen Teller explains how performance management programs like Amazon’s Focus and Pivot are often used not to help employees improve—but to quietly push them out. Teller breaks down the legal nuances between being fired for performance versus laid off, how Amazon’s "unregretted attrition" metrics work behind the scenes, and the potential legal violations that can occur when coaching programs are used after protected activities like medical leave or discrimination complaints. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Amazon’s performance management culture 00:01 – The differenc...

2025-08-0520 min

False Claims, Real Consequences Exposing Customs Fraud: Hidden Schemes and How to Stop ThemEpisode Summary: In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, attorney Stephen Teller breaks down the mechanics of customs fraud and how whistleblowers are vital in bringing these deceptive practices to light. Stephen shares stories from real cases involving tariff evasion, misclassification, country-of-origin fraud, and more. From smuggling goods to underreporting import values, Stephen highlights the legal risks importers take and how honest insiders can stop them — often with life-changing rewards. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction to the episode and Stephen Teller 01:25 – How rising tariffs incentivize customs fraud 02:14 – Methods companies use to avoid tariffs: smuggling, misclassification, false declarat...

2025-07-3017 min

False Claims, Real Consequences Meet Your Advocate: Why Whistleblower Law Matters More Than EverEpisode Summary: In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, nationally recognized whistleblower attorney Stephen Teller talks about the critical role whistleblowers play in exposing fraud and misconduct. They discuss what legally qualifies as whistleblowing, the types of workplace misconduct that may be protected under the False Claims Act, and the risks and safeguards available for those who choose to come forward. Teller shares insights on how to recognize when it’s time to speak up, the importance of gathering documentation, and why consulting an experienced lawyer is vital before taking action. Key Timestamps:...

2025-07-2315 min