Can Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblowers Be Anonymous?

When you become aware of blatant violations surrounding the safety of a motor vehicle, you may be wondering what you should do about it. Reporting your tip to your company’s internal compliance program could pit your boss against you, and you may even be concerned about losing your job. 

However, you may be able to report your information anonymously in certain circumstances, which could prevent your employer from discovering that you were the one to blow the whistle. Continue reading to learn more about why whistleblowers like you should protect their identities, and what you have to do to become an anonymous motor vehicle safety whistleblower.

Reasons to Protect Your Identity

Many would-be whistleblowers are afraid to report safety violations due to the fear of being retaliated against. It is not uncommon whatsoever for someone who blew the whistle to be harassed at work, threatened, intimidated, demoted, or even terminated from their position. 

These are all types of retaliatory action, and despite the fact that it happens, it is illegal for employers to retaliate against whistleblowers under the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act (MVSWA). Fortunately, in order to protect yourself from being retaliated against, the MVSWA allows whistleblowers to remain anonymous. 

How You Can Remain Anonymous

Only individuals who work within the automotive industry are able to become award-winning whistleblowers, though anyone could report their suspicions. If you work in the world of motor vehicles and would like to report information regarding safety violations of the MVSWA while protecting your identity, you can do so by retaining legal representation. 

Your lawyer will be responsible for handling all communication between you, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The only time these government agencies will need to become aware of your identity is when you are issued a whistleblower award. Even then, the DOJ and SEC will do everything possible to ensure your identity remains protected from the public.

Contact a Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Lawyer

If you believe you have information regarding potential violations of the MVSWA and are interested in reporting your tip anonymously, reach out to a respected motor vehicle safety whistleblower lawyer at Meissner Associates. You can fill out the quick contact form we have provided at the bottom of this page or give our office a call at 1-866-764-3100 to schedule your confidential tip assessment.