Law and Regulations

SEC whistleblowers most likely work in these jobs

Whistleblowers find it easier to call out alleged corporate wrongdoing once they've left the workforce, according to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission information obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

Since the SEC started its whistleblower program in 2011, 3,600 of the 6,500 people who offered confidential information listed their occupation on the agency's website, The Wall Street Journal reported. Retirees offered 365 tips to the SEC, the most of any group.

Joshua Roberts | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Investors came in second with 290 complaints, followed by engineers in third with 138 tips. Other occupations listed included diesel mechanic, antiques dealer, adult entertainer and "ex-wife."

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Senior executives and board members have given 42 tips to the SEC, the Journal said.

The whistleblower program aims to gather information on potential corporate violations. The SEC offers up to 30 percent of monetary penalties to whistleblowers if it takes more than $1 million in damages from the case.

The program has led to $150 million in restitution and fines from five cases, the Journal said. Eight whistleblowers contributed to the cases, and one person raked in $14 million for their information.

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Sean McKessy, head of the whistleblower office, told the Journal tips will soon lead to more investigations and fines.

"We're getting close to the sweet spot," McKessy said.

Read the Journal's full story here.

— By CNBC staff