Can I Remain Anonymous as a Whistleblower?

Yes and no. You can remain an anonymous whistleblower as long as the entity you are reporting to provides protection for anonymity. Whistleblowing is when a worker reports misconduct or unlawful activity within an organization that they believe can potentially harm the public. This can include safety and health threats, environmental damage, or criminal activities, among many others.

Whistleblowers typically report to the human resources department, managers in their workplace, or state and federal government agencies, depending on the circumstances. Blowing the proverbial whistle on an employer is never easy. While it’s good to do the right thing, you may face retaliation or be fired. That is why it’s in your best interest to discuss your particular situation with a Greenville, SC, whistleblower lawyer who can assist you in navigating the complex landscape of state and federal whistleblower laws.

You Can Remain an Anonymous Whistleblower in Greenville, SC, to a Certain Extent

Under the South Carolina Whistleblower Act, your identity can remain confidential as much as possible. However, at the Office of Regulatory Staff’s (ORS) discretion, your identity may need to be disclosed for any of the following purposes:

• Following the law.
• Conducting a more thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the wrongdoing you reported.
• Ensuring that the accused individual or entity is given a fair procedural review.

The U.S. provides powerful protections for whistleblowers wishing to remain anonymous. To help ensure your identity is protected, you must file your claim under a specific law that gives confidential protections, such as:

• The Dodd-Frank Act – This covers securities fraud, bribery, and commodities fraud. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) protects the identity of whistleblowers who want to remain anonymous. But it may reveal your identity in certain situations, such as in court or administrative proceedings, to regulatory and governmental entities. Additionally, while the SEC allows anonymous reporting, you are required to have a whistleblower attorney from Greenville, SC, represent you. They must also submit your report on your behalf to claim an award for the SEC.
• The False Claims Act – This act allows whistleblowers to file a complaint without disclosing their identity to their employer. But, the relevant authority may disclose the complaint and whistleblower’s identity after the investigation.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Whistleblower Program – This covers tax underpayments, tax fraud, money laundering, and other relevant cases the IRS investigates. While the IRS doesn’t allow anonymous reporting, it must protect a whistleblower’s anonymity to the fullest extent possible under the law.

It’s also important to note that federal employees may remain anonymous whistleblowers under the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Inspector General Act, among others.

Get Legal Advice From Our Experienced Greenville, SC, Whistleblower Lawyer Today

As you can see from above, your anonymity as a whistleblower may not be guaranteed. Before reporting your employer, an organization, a company, or other entities for any wrongdoing, consult with our Greenville, SC, whistleblower lawyer at Ryan Beasley Law. Depending on the facts of your case, they can find ways to help protect your anonymity and ensure your safety.

Arrange your case review with our Greenville, SC, whistleblower lawyer by contacting us online or calling 864-679-7777.