False Claims, Real Consequences

By falseclaimsrealconsequences

False Claims, Real Consequences is a podcast dedicated to empowering whistleblowers, truth-tellers, and advocates by unpacking the complexities of whistleblower law. The show provides practical insigh... more

· Business

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FAQs about False Claims, Real Consequences:

How many episodes does False Claims, Real Consequences have?

The podcast currently has 7 episodes available.

False Claims, Real Consequences episodes:

November 11, 2025 Help! I’m Being Managed Out of My Job
Episode Summary
Being “managed out” of a job is one of the most confusing and isolating experiences an employee can face. In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, whistleblower and employment attorney Stephen Teller explains what it means to be managed out, how to recognize the warning signs, and what steps employees can take to protect their careers.
Stephen Teller shares practical strategies for navigating unfair performance improvement plans, understanding when employer actions might cross into illegal territory, and how to delay or improve the outcome of a forced separation. He also offers guidance on when to consult a lawyer, how medical leave can play a role, and why documenting your experience is crucial.
If you’ve ever felt targeted at work, this episode provides clarity, resources, and a roadmap for reclaiming control of your future.
Key Timestamps
00:52 – What it means to be managed out of a job
02:05 – Recognizing when performance improvement plans are unfair
03:40 – Why companies push employees out despite strong past performance
05:10 – When poor treatment at work is illegal versus unfair
07:15 – Practical strategies for delaying or surviving out-management
09:25 – How to talk to a doctor about workplace stress and medical leave
12:45 – The right time to contact an employment attorney
14:10 – Why many employees never seek legal help and what they miss
15:00 – Final thoughts and advice for employees facing forced exits

About the Show:
False Claims, Real Consequences explores the hidden mechanisms behind workplace retaliation, whistleblower suppression, and employment law violations. Hosted by veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller, the podcast delivers real insights for professionals navigating high-stakes legal scenarios in the workplace.
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16min
October 14, 2025 Beyond the Big Purchase: What Real PPP Fraud Looks Like, and How to Win a Whistleblower Case
Episode Summary
In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, attorney Stephen Teller dives deep into what truly makes a strong Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud case. While flashy purchases like trucks or equipment might raise eyebrows, Stephen explains why the strongest cases come from eligibility violations, misuse of funds, and insider knowledge. From marijuana businesses to private clubs, Stephen breaks down which companies were outright ineligible, how oversight gaps allowed fraud to slip through, and what whistleblowers need to know before stepping forward.
This conversation provides valuable insight into PPP loan abuse, False Claims Act filings, whistleblower protections, and how both businesses and individuals can navigate these high-stakes cases.
Key Timestamps
0:45 – What a strong PPP fraud case really looks like
2:30 – Which businesses were ineligible for PPP loans under federal rules
5:00 – How some ineligible businesses still managed to get PPP funding
7:10 – The government’s backlog of False Claims Act cases
9:30 – Evidence whistleblowers need to establish a strong case
12:45 – Options for employees who suspect PPP fraud
14:30 – Why it’s better for businesses to self-report mistakes before being caught

About the Show:
False Claims, Real Consequences explores the hidden mechanisms behind workplace retaliation, whistleblower suppression, and employment law violations. Hosted by veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller, the podcast delivers real insights for professionals navigating high-stakes legal scenarios in the workplace.
...more
17min
September 15, 2025 Is This a Legal Complaint? 9 Common Workplace Issues That Might Be More Serious Than You Think
Summary:
In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, employment attorney Stephen Teller unpacks one of the most common questions employees face: Is what I’m experiencing at work actually illegal—or just unfair? With over 20 years of experience advocating for workers, Stephen breaks down the difference between toxic management and unlawful workplace behavior, including discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, wage issues, and contract violations. He also explains the challenges of proving a case, why documentation matters, and how employees can protect themselves if something feels “off” at work.
Whether you’re navigating a hostile work environment, facing an unfair performance review, or questioning pay practices, this episode provides critical insights into identifying potential legal claims and knowing when it’s time to call a lawyer.

Key Timestamps:
00:02:00 – Understanding employment-at-will and its legal exceptions
00:04:30 – What counts as retaliation versus bad management
00:06:30 – The difference between protected activity and general workplace complaints
00:08:00 – Hostile work environment vs. toxic workplace: what the law actually says
00:11:30 – Recognizing discrimination patterns and false employer justifications
00:14:30 – Wage theft, misclassification, and unpaid overtime explained
00:17:30 – When performance reviews or improvement plans cross into illegality
00:19:30 – Why proving employment claims is difficult but possible
00:20:30 – Steps to take if you suspect your workplace rights are being violated

Episode Description:
Employment attorney Stephen Teller joins False Claims, Real Consequences to answer one of the most pressing workplace questions: Is my situation legal? With decades of experience representing employees, Stephen breaks down how to distinguish unfair treatment from unlawful conduct. From discrimination and retaliation to whistleblower protections and wage theft, this episode clarifies when employees may have a legal claim and why evidence is crucial for proving workplace violations.
For anyone dealing with workplace stress, unfair management practices, or uncertainty about their rights, this episode provides clarity, actionable advice, and the reassurance that you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
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22min
August 12, 2025 On a Pivot Plan? When Amazon’s Performance Coaching Is Really a Push-Out, Part 2
Episode Summary
Attorney Stephen Teller continues the discussion on Amazon’s Focus and Pivot performance management programs, highlighting their use as tools to push employees out. The episode examines the stress caused by rigid and subjective performance expectations, the benefits of medical leave under the FMLA and ADA, and the importance of documenting unfair treatment. It offers guidance on when to seek legal counsel and how to protect employee rights during performance plans.
Key Timestamps
00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome
01:30 - Impact of Pivot Program’s Stress on Employees
05:00 - Role of Medical Professionals in Managing Stress
09:00 - Leveraging Short-Term Disability and FMLA
13:00 - Amazon’s Pivot Program Decision Timeline
17:00 - Documentation Strategies for Employee Protection
21:00 - Recognizing Illegal Treatment in Performance Plans
25:00 - When to Consult an Employment Attorney
29:00 - Balancing Personal Well-Being and Legal Strategy
33:00 - Amazon’s Approach to Employee Transitions
37:00 - Importance of Early Legal Consultation
41:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
About the Show
False Claims Real Consequences is a podcast dedicated to empowering employees facing workplace retaliation, discrimination, and unfair performance management. Featuring attorney Stephen Teller, the show provides honest insights and practical advice to navigate career-threatening legal challenges, helping listeners protect their rights with confidence and clarity.
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21min
August 05, 2025 On a Pivot Plan? When Amazon’s Performance Coaching Is Really a Push-Out, (Part 1)
Episode Summary:
In this eye-opening episode, employment attorney Stephen Teller explains how performance management programs like Amazon’s Focus and Pivot are often used not to help employees improve—but to quietly push them out. Teller breaks down the legal nuances between being fired for performance versus laid off, how Amazon’s "unregretted attrition" metrics work behind the scenes, and the potential legal violations that can occur when coaching programs are used after protected activities like medical leave or discrimination complaints.

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Amazon’s performance management culture
00:01 – The difference between layoffs vs. terminations for performance
00:03 – Why unemployment benefits are often still available in performance firings
00:04 – How Amazon uses "unregretted attrition" to create stealth layoffs
00:05 – The real purpose of documentation: legal protection against lawsuits
00:06 – Washington’s at-will employment and its legal limitations
00:07 – The structure of Amazon’s Focus and Pivot programs
00:09 – How Amazon offers money to employees to resign early
00:10 – What happens during the Pivot appeal process
00:11 – Why these programs are designed to minimize legal exposure, not support improvement
00:12 – The shift in purpose: retention vs. risk mitigation
00:13 – Legal red flags when performance plans follow complaints or leave requests
00:14 – Why talking to an attorney early is critical
00:15 – How timing of firings affects stock vesting and severance
00:17 – Final thoughts and preview of Part 2

About the Show:
False Claims, Real Consequences explores the hidden mechanisms behind workplace retaliation, whistleblower suppression, and employment law violations. Hosted by veteran employment attorney Stephen Teller, the podcast delivers real insights for professionals navigating high-stakes legal scenarios in the workplace.

Visit stellarlaw.com to schedule a confidential consultation or to learn more about your rights in the workplace.
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21min
July 30, 2025 Exposing Customs Fraud: Hidden Schemes and How to Stop Them
Episode Summary:
In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, attorney Stephen Teller breaks down the mechanics of customs fraud and how whistleblowers are vital in bringing these deceptive practices to light. Stephen shares stories from real cases involving tariff evasion, misclassification, country-of-origin fraud, and more. From smuggling goods to underreporting import values, Stephen highlights the legal risks importers take and how honest insiders can stop them — often with life-changing rewards.
Key Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction to the episode and Stephen Teller
01:25 – How rising tariffs incentivize customs fraud
02:14 – Methods companies use to avoid tariffs: smuggling, misclassification, false declarations
04:10 – Example: misdeclaring roof racks as car seats to change tariff code
05:50 – Underreporting item value to reduce tariff percentage
06:18 – The Bid-Buy truck case: falsified prices and repeated fraud
08:30 – DOJ involvement and consequences of even “small” cases
09:45 – Aluminum import case: anti-dumping duties and willful underreporting
11:35 – Real-world consequences: company fined $3.4 million
12:50 – How the False Claims Act can lead to triple damages
13:45 – The blurred line between mistake and fraud
14:50 – Country-of-origin fraud: labeling and assembly loopholes
16:40 – Difficulty in proving origin-shifting fraud in multi-country assembly
17:55 – Whistleblower rewards: potential 15–25% share in government recovery
19:05 – Cable company case: $6.5 million payout to a whistleblower
20:10 – What to do if you see shady import activity in your job
21:25 – When to speak to your boss vs. when to call a lawyer
22:40 – How to protect yourself legally when speaking up
24:00 – Importance of documenting fraud reports and understanding your rights
About the Show:
False Claims, Real Consequences dives into the world of federal fraud litigation and whistleblower cases. The show features legal experts like Stephen Teller who shine a light on the inner workings of fraud schemes — and how the False Claims Act empowers insiders to stop them. Each episode delivers real-world legal insights, high-stakes case stories, and actionable advice for professionals navigating compliance, ethics, and justice.
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18min
July 23, 2025 Meet Your Advocate: Why Whistleblower Law Matters More Than Ever
Episode Summary:
In this episode of False Claims, Real Consequences, nationally recognized whistleblower attorney Stephen Teller talks about the critical role whistleblowers play in exposing fraud and misconduct. They discuss what legally qualifies as whistleblowing, the types of workplace misconduct that may be protected under the False Claims Act, and the risks and safeguards available for those who choose to come forward. Teller shares insights on how to recognize when it’s time to speak up, the importance of gathering documentation, and why consulting an experienced lawyer is vital before taking action.

Key Timestamps:
00:00 – Show introduction
01:12 – Stephen Teller’s background and how he shifted to whistleblower law
03:44 – What legally defines a whistleblower
06:18 – Types of misconduct and fraud protected under whistleblower statutes
09:32 – How to recognize when it’s time to speak up
12:15 – Understanding employer retaliation and legal protections
16:04 – Why consulting a lawyer early is crucial
20:30 – Common mistakes whistleblowers make when reporting misconduct
25:50 – Knowing when an issue is serious enough to pursue
30:42 – Final thoughts on whistleblower protection and workplace ethics

About the Show:
False Claims, Real Consequences is a podcast dedicated to empowering whistleblowers, truth-tellers, and advocates by unpacking the complexities of whistleblower law. The show provides practical insights to help employees understand their rights, protect themselves from retaliation, and navigate high-stakes fraud cases.
...more
15min

FAQs about False Claims, Real Consequences:

How many episodes does False Claims, Real Consequences have?

The podcast currently has 7 episodes available.