National Report Trade Agreement Act Taa Fraud Day
National Report Trade Agreement Act (TAA) Fraud Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about fraud against the government, particularly involving violations of the Trade Agreement Act (TAA). This day highlights the importance of whistleblowers in exposing fraudulent activities and educates the public on how to report such fraud while potentially earning monetary rewards.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 26 annually
- Tagged as: Awareness, Anti-Fraud, Whistleblower Advocacy
- What’s the hashtag?: #TAAFraudDay
- When was it founded?: 2018
- Who founded it?: Joel D. Hesch, a whistleblower advocate and former Department of Justice attorney
History of National Report Trade Agreement Act (TAA) Fraud Day
The day was established in 2018 by Joel D. Hesch, who spent over 15 years at the Department of Justice (DOJ) working on whistleblower reward programs. Hesch created this observance to educate people about the TAA, which prohibits federal contractors from supplying goods made in countries without reciprocal trade agreements with the U.S., such as China or Taiwan. Violations of this act are considered fraud and can cost the government billions annually.
Hesch also published a free e-book to guide whistleblowers on properly reporting fraud and claiming rewards under DOJ programs. His efforts have helped recover significant funds for the government and reward whistleblowers for their crucial role.
Timeline
- 1974: The Trade Act of 1974 is enacted by Congress.
- 1979: The Trade Agreements Act is implemented to regulate international trade compliance.
- 2003: Joel D. Hesch joins the DOJ as a trial attorney specializing in fraud cases.
- 2018: National Report Trade Agreement Act Fraud Day is officially established by Hesch.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 26 | Thursday |
| 2026 | June 26 | Friday |
| 2027 | June 26 | Saturday |
| 2028 | June 26 | Monday |
| 2029 | June 26 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | June 26 | Wednesday |
Observed
This day is observed by sharing educational resources about TAA fraud, downloading guides like Joel Hesch’s e-book, and encouraging whistleblowers to report fraudulent activities. Public awareness campaigns emphasize the economic impact of fraud and the rewards available for those who expose it.
Fun Facts About National Report TAA Fraud Day
- Whistleblowers can earn up to 30% of recovered funds under DOJ programs.
- The largest single whistleblower reward to date is $50 million.
- An estimated 10% of government spending is lost annually due to fraud.
Quiz
- What does TAA stand for?
- Who founded National Report TAA Fraud Day?
- What percentage of recovered funds can whistleblowers earn as a reward?
(Answers: 1. Trade Agreement Act; 2. Joel D. Hesch; 3. Up to 30%)
FAQs
- What is TAA fraud?
TAA fraud occurs when federal contractors supply goods from countries that do not have reciprocal trade agreements with the U.S., violating federal regulations. - How can I report TAA fraud?
You can report through a whistleblower attorney under DOJ reward programs or directly to relevant agencies like the Department of Defense. - Are whistleblowers protected by law?
Yes, laws like the Whistleblower Protection Act ensure protection against retaliation.
Related
- National Report General Service Administration (GSA) Fraud Day
- Buy American Act Awareness Campaign
- Anti-Corruption Week
