Most successful cases involve recoveries of $1 to $10 million—with a
portion of the Government's recovery flowing to the relator. The most successful qui tam cases
are a few that have resulted in recoveries
for the Government in excess of $400 million. Generally, the most
successful cases are those in which the Government intervenes,
either as to part or all of the case. However, from
time to time a case that has not benefited from the Government’s
active prosecution can also be financially successful for the
Government and the relator, not to mention its deterrent effect on
future wrongdoers.
Since the late 1980’s, qui tam actions have increased dramatically
and have been effective and successful in combating contractor
fraud. Since 1986, qui tam recoveries have exceeded $1 billion
with most of the successes involving fraud in Medicare and
military programs.