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Free guide · Anonymity & protection

Protect yourself first.Then report.

Practical habits that keep your identity out of a tip, and the laws that protect you from retaliation, in plain English.

General information, not legal advice. No method guarantees anonymity. If you fear retaliation or for your safety, talk to an attorney first.

Protecting your identity

  1. Use a personal device and network

    Don't use work computers, work email, work phones or the office Wi-Fi to research or write your tip. Employers can often monitor them.

  2. Keep what you know to yourself

    Avoid telling coworkers, even people you trust. Most leaks come from conversations, not technology.

  3. Know that facts can identify you

    If only a few people had access to the information, the company may guess it was you even without your name. Think about who knows what you know.

  4. Don't alter or take what you aren't allowed to

    Copying documents you don't have access to, or privileged or classified material, can create legal problems. Describe what exists and where; ask a lawyer before taking copies.

  5. Check recording laws

    Some states require everyone's consent to record a conversation. Get advice before recording.

  6. Submit through a lawyer if anonymity matters most

    An attorney can file on your behalf, and a qui tam case is filed under seal. Some programs (such as the SEC) allow anonymous submissions only through counsel.

  7. Keep your tip drafts private

    TipReady keeps tips in your browser only. Use a private device, a screen lock, and delete tips you no longer need.

Retaliation protections, in plain English

Retaliation means being fired, demoted, cut in hours, threatened or harassed for reporting. Federal law bans it in many situations.

False Claims Act

Protects employees who are fired, demoted, threatened or harassed for trying to stop or report FCA violations. Remedies can include reinstatement, double back pay, interest and special damages. Claims are generally due within 3 years.

Sarbanes-Oxley (public companies)

Protects employees of public companies who report securities or accounting fraud. Complaints go to OSHA, generally within 180 days of the retaliation.

Dodd-Frank (SEC and CFTC)

Protects people who report to the SEC or CFTC. In the SEC context, protection generally requires that you actually reported to the SEC. Remedies include reinstatement and double back pay.

IRS whistleblower law

Includes protection against retaliation for people who report tax underpayments, with a path to bring a claim.

State laws

Many states add their own whistleblower protections, sometimes broader than federal law. Rules vary a lot.

If you think you're being retaliated against

  • Write down dates, names and what was said or done, as it happens, and store it off work systems.
  • Keep copies of performance reviews and any praise from before you reported.
  • Don't quit in anger before getting advice. It can weaken a claim.
  • Note the time limits on the deadlines page; some are only 180 days.
  • Talk to an employment or whistleblower attorney. Many offer a free first consultation.

TipReady is not a law firm and cannot protect you from retaliation.