What is Quitam?Quitam is the short version of the Latin phrase “quitam pro domino rege quam pro seipse,” which translates to “he who sues for the king as himself.” These legal actions are some of the oldest legal traditions in Western History, for governments are always on vigilant for those who wish to steal public and private funds. Quitam also plays on the notion that those who take risks and sacrifice themselves for the good of their government and country deserve protection and reward for their hardship.

The United States protects the so-called “whistleblower” with a number of laws including the 1989 Whistleblower Protection Act. These laws govern how quitam cases are organized, investigated, and prosecuted, and also protect and reward those who are brave enough to step forward and speak their consciences.

These brave people embody the Code of Ethics for Government Service when they "put loyalty to the highest moral principles and devotion to country above loyalty to persons, party or Government department." It is often difficult to point out the truth when jobs, careers, and lives are at risk, but the government rewards this bravery with up to 30% of the punishment handed down to the fraudulent agency or contractor.

A quitam action allows private citizens to file lawsuits in the name of the United States government against contractors or others who fraudulently receive or use government funds.

What are some forms of fraudulent actions?Defective pricing, false certification of entitlement benefits, mischarging, and product and service substitution are all common fraudulent actions that may be revealed in a quitam action.

How is quitam related to the False Claims Act? The False Claims Act is the piece of legislation that allows citizens to take a quitam action and bring a lawsuit against those who fraudulently receive or use government funds.

Where does the term quitam come from?Quitam is an abbreviation from the Latin phrase “quitam pro domino rege quam pro sic ipso in hoc parte sequitur”, which translates to “he who as well for the king as for himself sues in this manner”. Enforcement of quitam principles dates back to the Middle Ages.

How much money has been returned to the U.S. Treasury from quitam law suits?Since 1986 over $13.5 billion has been returned to the U.S. Treasury, with over $1.4 billion of this amount going to relators.

Can I keep my identity a secret if I file a quitam action?Yes. The government will be the only people who know your identity until the lawsuit is unsealed.