Attorney General's False Claims Division

The False Claims Division safeguards public funds by enforcing high standards against companies and individuals that make false statements to obtain government contracts or funds.

Created in 2015 by Attorney General Healey to expand upon the Office’s existing false claims initiative, the False Claims Division works to safeguard public funds by enforcing high standards of integrity against companies and individuals that make false statements to obtain government contracts or government funds. The False Claims Division aggressively protects taxpayer interests through prosecution and outreach with the ultimate goal of ensuring that Massachusetts contractors are the national model for quality and integrity.

Using the Massachusetts False Claims Act, the False Claims Division conducts civil investigations and prosecutions against companies and individuals who mislead or defraud state or municipal entities through the use of false or fraudulent claims, records or statements. The Massachusetts False Claims Act is a powerful law enforcement statute that authorizes triple damages and civil penalties of up to $11,000 per false claim, as well as the AG’s attorneys’ costs and fees. The Act also allows private individuals known as “relators” to file lawsuits under the Massachusetts False Claims Act and to recover a portion of the proceeds in successful actions, subject to certain limitations.

The AG has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in government funds, mainly arising from MassHealth-related false claims enforcement, including relator actions. The AG’s False Claims Division will be working with partners in government and whistleblowers to expand upon those successes outside the MassHealth context, recover funds for the Commonwealth and its citizens, and deter misconduct.

To report potential fraud and abuse relating to state or municipal contracts or funds, call our tip line at 617-963-2600.

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