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News & Updates

The latest developments in PPP enforcement, advocacy efforts, and resources for business owners facing investigations.

PPP Fairness Founder Accepted into Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center's 2025–2026 Milestone Circles Program

Gena Lofton, founder of PPP Fairness and PPP/EIDL borrower and investigation survivor, has been accepted into the prestigious Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center Milestone Circles Program for 2025–2026, supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Chapter 11 & Subchapter V: What PPP and EIDL Borrowers Need to Know in 2026

Congress created Subchapter V specifically to help small businesses reorganize without crushing costs. For EIDL borrowers facing collections, personal guarantees, and tax refund seizures, it may be the most powerful legal tool available.

Subchapter V of the Bankruptcy Code: How Creditor Claims and Your Estate Affect EIDL Defense

Chapter 5 isn't a type of bankruptcy — it's the rulebook governing every case. Understanding how creditors file claims, what property enters your estate, and what you can protect is essential for EIDL borrowers considering restructuring.

Two New Legal Defenses Every PPP Borrower Facing an FCA Investigation Must Know

The government never disclosed the False Claims Act in PPP loan documents, and the SBA explicitly waived personal guarantees. These two facts create powerful legal defenses under United States v. Lanier and Heckler v. Community Health Services.

Two New Legal Defenses Every PPP Borrower Facing an FCA Investigation Must Know

The government never disclosed the False Claims Act in PPP loan documents, and the SBA explicitly waived personal guarantees. These two facts create powerful legal defenses under United States v. Lanier and Heckler v. Community Health Services.

Whistleblower & Fraud Report

False Claims Act Cases Emerge in PPP Context, Raising Stakes for Whistleblowers and Borrowers

The False Claims Act (FCA) is increasingly being utilized in cases involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud, allowing whistleblowers to initiate lawsuits on behalf of the government. This development significantly raises the stakes for small business owners, as FCA cases can lead to treble damages and substantial penalties. It also empowers insiders to report perceived fraud, adding another layer of risk for non-compliant borrowers.

PPP Enforcement Watch

DOJ Intensifies PPP Fraud Prosecutions, Targeting Small Business Owners

The Department of Justice continues to aggressively pursue criminal and civil charges related to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud, with a significant focus on individual business owners. This heightened enforcement underscores the government's commitment to prosecuting misuse of CARES Act funds, even for smaller loan amounts. Small businesses facing investigations must understand the severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.

Government Accountability Monitor

SBA Flags $200B+ in PPP Fraud — Are You Next? What Small Business Owners Must Know Now

Reports from the Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG) continue to estimate billions of dollars in potential PPP fraud, sparking calls for greater accountability and oversight. These findings put increased pressure on the SBA and DOJ to pursue investigations, directly impacting small business owners under scrutiny. The OIG's data often informs enforcement priorities and public perception of the program's integrity.

The Government Is Using the False Claims Act Against DEI Programs — IBM Just Paid $17 Million. Here Is What Every Federal Contractor Needs to Know.

On April 10, 2026, IBM agreed to pay $17 million to settle the first False Claims Act case targeting DEI practices under the DOJ's Civil Rights Fraud Initiative. With Executive Order 14398 making compliance 'material' to government payments, every federal contractor with diversity programs is now at risk. Here is what happened, what it means, and how to protect yourself.

$75 Billion in EIDL Loans Sent to Collections: What Small Business Owners Need to Know

The New York Times reports that the SBA has referred over $75 billion in delinquent EIDL loans to Treasury collections. Here's what's happening, why it matters, and what small business owners can do right now to protect themselves.

Business Law Review

Bankruptcy Filings Complicate PPP Loan Forgiveness and Fraud Investigations

Small business bankruptcies are adding a complex layer to PPP loan forgiveness and fraud investigations, as the interaction between bankruptcy law and federal loan obligations creates unique challenges. Borrowers in bankruptcy may face differing treatment regarding liability and dischargeability of PPP-related debts.

Government Accountability Watch

SBA Inspector General Reports Highlight Billions in Potential PPP Fraud, Fueling Oversight

Recent reports from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) continue to identify billions in potential PPP fraud, prompting increased scrutiny from Congress and federal agencies. These findings underscore the ongoing pressure on the SBA and DOJ to recover misused funds and prosecute offenders.

PPPFairness.com Research

DOJ Intensifies PPP Fraud Enforcement, Targets Small Businesses with False Claims Act

The Department of Justice continues to aggressively pursue Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud, increasingly utilizing the False Claims Act (FCA) against small business owners. This strategy allows for significant penalties, including treble damages and statutory fines, even for perceived misrepresentations.

EIDL Loan Default: What Happens and What Are Your Options?

Thousands of small business owners are facing EIDL loan defaults. Learn what happens when you can't repay, what the SBA can do, and the debt relief options available to you — including Subchapter V bankruptcy.

Why PPP Borrowers in California Are Being Investigated (And What To Do Next)

If you've received a PPP audit notice or inquiry — especially in California — you're not alone. Enforcement activity has increased, and many small business owners are now facing questions about loans they received during the pandemic. This guide breaks it down in simple terms.

U.S. Department of Justice

Albany Manufacturer Pays $1.9 Million to Settle PPP False Claims Act Case as Enforcement Reaches New York Small Businesses

An Albany manufacturer agreed to pay $1.9 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to a PPP loan, demonstrating how enforcement actions continue to impact businesses across the country.

U.S. Department of Justice

Record $6.8 Billion in False Claims Act Recoveries Signals Intensifying Enforcement Environment

The DOJ reported a historic $6.8 billion in False Claims Act recoveries for fiscal year 2025, with PPP and pandemic relief fraud remaining a key enforcement priority that continues to affect thousands of small business owners.

IRS Criminal Investigation

Illinois Businessman Sentenced to 10 Years for $14 Million COVID Relief Fraud as DOJ Draws Line Between Fraud and Good-Faith Borrowing

A federal judge sentenced an Illinois businessman to 10 years in prison for a $14 million COVID relief fraud scheme, highlighting the stark difference between deliberate fraud and the good-faith borrowing that millions of small business owners engaged in.

Government Contracts Law Blog

SBA Inspector General Reports 40.5% Improper Payment Rate as Small Borrowers Bear Enforcement Burden

The SBA's own Inspector General documented a staggering 40.5% improper payment rate for fiscal year 2025, yet enforcement continues to disproportionately target individual small business owners rather than the systemic failures that enabled the problem.

TIME

Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi After Turbulent 15-Month Tenure

President Trump removed Pam Bondi as Attorney General on April 2, 2026, ending a contentious tenure marked by politically-driven DOJ investigations and record False Claims Act enforcement that devastated small business owners across America.

Winston & Strawn LLP

DOJ Continues Aggressive False Claims Act Enforcement Against PPP Borrowers Into 2026

A major law firm analysis confirms the DOJ shows no signs of slowing PPP enforcement, with data-mining whistleblowers and an extended 10-year statute of limitations keeping small business owners at risk through 2030 and beyond.

Bankruptcy & Business Journal

Bankruptcy Filings Complicate PPP Loan Forgiveness and Enforcement

Small businesses filing for bankruptcy are encountering complex challenges regarding their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, particularly concerning dischargeability and ongoing enforcement actions. The interplay between bankruptcy law and federal loan obligations creates a unique legal landscape for distressed borrowers.

Government Oversight Review

SBA OIG Reports Highlight Billions in Potential PPP Fraud

Recent reports from the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) continue to flag billions of dollars in potentially fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. These findings fuel ongoing investigations by the DOJ and other agencies, increasing scrutiny on small businesses who received funds.

PPP Enforcement Watch

DOJ Intensifies False Claims Act Cases Against PPP Borrowers

The Department of Justice continues to aggressively pursue False Claims Act (FCA) cases against individuals and businesses accused of misusing Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds. This heightened enforcement signals a long-term commitment to prosecuting pandemic-related fraud, impacting small business owners under scrutiny.

Government Accountability Review

SBA OIG Reports Highlight Billions in Potential PPP Fraud, Prompting Congressional Scrutiny

The Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG) continues to release reports detailing billions of dollars in potential PPP fraud, fueling congressional calls for increased oversight and enforcement. These reports often highlight vulnerabilities in the initial program design and ongoing challenges in fraud detection.

PPP Enforcement Watch

DOJ PPP Fraud Crackdown: Why Small Business Owners Are Being Prosecuted First

The Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to aggressively pursue Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud cases, increasingly utilizing the False Claims Act (FCA) to recover funds and impose significant penalties. This strategy allows the government to seek treble damages and civil penalties, impacting small business owners under investigation.

Bankruptcy & Business Law Review

Bankruptcy Filings Complicate PPP Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Disputes

Small businesses filing for bankruptcy are encountering complex legal challenges regarding their PPP loans, particularly concerning forgiveness, dischargeability, and the SBA's lien priority. Court rulings are beginning to shape how these loans are treated in insolvency proceedings.

Are You Facing a PPP Investigation?

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Disclaimer: PPPFairness.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. All content on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created by your use of this site. Always consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation before taking any legal action.

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