Iowa investment fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A., has extensive experience representing and winning for investors and organizations in securities arbitrations through FINRA in the State of Iowa.
Have you fallen victim to investment fraud? Are you looking for an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve?
You need an investment fraud lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your rights as an Iowa-based investor.
We understand the frustration and stress that comes with being a victim of investment fraud, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process and hold those responsible accountable.
Since 1980, we have been devoted to helping investors and have successfully recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf. View client testimonials here. We have experience handling all types of securities fraud cases and utilize all available legal avenues from the federal level to Iowa law as it applies to investment fraud cases. Don’t let investment fraud ruin your financial future – contact the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. today via our quick-response form, or call our Des Moines office line at (800) 732-2889.
Definition of Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud
Investment fraud, or securities fraud, involves using deceitful tactics to mislead investors, leading to significant financial losses. Unscrupulous brokers may even steal funds or securities directly.
Investment fraud schemes include Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, and selling unregistered securities, all of which are illegal and punishable by law.
In the first quarter of 2023, the FTC reported nearly 50,000 cases of investor fraud, totaling an estimated $1.9 billion in losses.
Brokers and investment advisors often promote complex, high-risk investments for high commissions, disregarding whether these are suitable for their clients. These tactics can hide overactive trading and excessive risk.
Example: A broker persuades an investor to put a large portion of their retirement savings into a high-risk investment, downplaying the risks and misrepresenting potential returns. The investment fails, causing significant losses.
Many brokers and financial advisors fail to meet their fiduciary duties or engage in securities fraud, misleading investors about opportunities, hiding risks, churning accounts to earn commissions, or imposing hidden fees.
Investment Losses? We Can Help
Discuss your legal options with an attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.
or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.
Iowa and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Iowa investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Iowa Uniform Securities Act: The cornerstone of Iowa investor protection, this law combats fraud, mandates the registration of most securities, and provides avenues for investors to seek recourse if they’ve been misled.
- Iowa Business Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Iowa Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Iowa Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Iowa securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Iowa Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Iowa investors.
- National Regulatory Bodies
- FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority): FINRA oversees all broker-dealers in the US, setting ethical standards, enforcing securities laws, and providing investor education resources. They work alongside the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) for broad investor protection.
Useful Resources
- Iowa State Securities Board: https://iid.iowa.gov/regulated-entities/securities-investments/registration
- Office of the Iowa Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- The SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Securities Law Iowa security Attorneys Can Help You
While experiencing losses is an inherent aspect of investing, brokers who engage in fraudulent activities can be subject to legal accountability. Should you suspect that you’ve fallen prey to investment fraud, reaching out to a seasoned investment fraud attorney, who is adept at navigating such cases, is crucial. Additionally, it may be necessary to notify regulatory organizations, such as the SEC or FINRA, about any suspected market manipulation or insider trading incidents.
The sooner you act, the greater your chances of recovering compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we have helped countless investors recover their losses due to investment fraud. We will thoroughly investigate your case, uncovering any misrepresentation or fraudulent activity, and fight to get you justice and the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve incurred financial losses due to a stockbroker’s or advisor’s negligence or fraud, the simplest method to determine whether you have a valid claim is to contact our office at 800-732-2889. Here’s an overview of how our seasoned investment fraud law firm can represent your interests:
Can I Recover my Investment Losses?
In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated the securities laws or breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor.
In most cases, this means filing a FINRA arbitration claim against the broker-dealer and/or representative.
The majority of securities fraud cases are handled by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rather than being brought to the court system.
FINRA arbitration is a streamlined, cost-effective way to resolve disputes between investors and their brokers without going to court – it also allows you to collect punitive damages, which are not available in civil court.
As an investor, you have certain rights that must be respected and protected.
We’re currently investigating several financial firms and stockbrokers who may have been the subject of customer complaints, may be facing legal action, and who may have acted unethically and committed fraud in Iowa, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-anderson-cetera-advisor-networks/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/brent-albrechtsen-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gregory-tucker-da-davidson-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/randy-kirkpatrick-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/cody-moran-bankers-life-securities-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/merriam-rink-ausdal-financial-partners/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kevin-brennan-andrew-garrett-inc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/steve-taton-brokers-iinternational-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/scott-sernett-northwestern-mutual-investment-svcs/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/myles-easter-bankers-life-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/mark-gelbman-kestra-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-krohn-principal-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/chad-mackland-lion-street-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/robin-schultz-moloney-securities-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/timothy-derouin-northwestern-mutual/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jared-stines-cetera-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/erin-klang-gradient-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/bryan-fiala-of-principal-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/keri-blake-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/chad-boal-fbl-marketing-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/aaron-angstrom-country-capital-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/mark-wiskus-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/bradley-renberg-ameriprise-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/troy-sheets-mml-investors-services/
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients
In the last 20 years alone, Robert Pearce has recovered over $175 million for his investor clients. In fact, he has recovered funds for over 99% of his investor clients through various avenues of recovery, including settlements, arbitrations, and court litigation.
No investment fraud firm can ever guarantee the same or similar results in any given case. However, when you hire the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., you can sleep well knowing you are in qualified and capable hands. Attorney Robert Pearce has represented hundreds of investors over his 40 year career and in the last 20 years alone recovered over $175 million for his investor clients.
Robert Pearce will fight for your rights day in and day out to get you the recovery you are entitled to.
What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?
What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?
An investment fraud lawyer helps investors recover investment losses that they lost due to a financial advisor or broker who did not act in their best interest. Typically, the lawyer will help the investor recover their losses through a process called FINRA arbitration.
Investment Losses? Let’s talk.
or, give us a ring at 800-732-2889.
Client Testimonials
An initial consultation with a securities attorney is typically free. During this consultation, the lawyer will review your case and give you an estimate of the legal fees. If you decide to move forward with the case, you will typically be asked to sign a contingency fee agreement.
A contingency fee agreement means that you will only have to pay the lawyer if he or she is successful in recovering money on your behalf. If the lawyer is not successful, you will not owe any legal fees.
What Are the Iowa Statute of Limitations?
Time is of the essence when it comes to investment fraud cases. Both Iowa and federal laws have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing legal claims. In Iowa, the statute of limitations for securities fraud is two years from the time of discovery but no more than five years from the date of the violation. Federally, the statute of limitations for securities fraud cases is typically five years from the date of the violation or two years from the date the fraud should have been discovered. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Types of Investment and Securities Fraud Cases We Can Help Represent You With
In Iowa, investors commonly face various types of investment fraud perpetrated by unscrupulous brokers and advisors. Unsuitable investments, where recommendations do not align with the investor’s needs, and forced liquidation, where brokers sell assets without client consent, are among the most frequent issues.
Ponzi schemes, which promise high returns but are fraudulent, are also common. Excessive trading, or churning, generates commissions for advisors rather than benefiting the client. Misrepresentation and omission involve providing deceptive or misleading information about investments.
Breach of fiduciary duty and unauthorized trading pose significant risks to investors. Additionally, failure to supervise, overconcentration, and theft or misappropriation of client funds are prevalent concerns for investors in Iowa.
Other common frauds include mutual fund sales violations, excessive markups/markdowns, and selling unapproved investments. Cryptocurrency scams present a growing threat to investors. Margin abuse, conflicts of interest, and the sale of risky, non-registered securities like private placements are also notable concerns.
401(k) plan misconduct, microcap fraud, and schemes involving fictitious investments in mining or minerals are also common. Investors should be cautious of EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program fraud, advance fee schemes, and many other tactics not listed here.
Contact Us Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Iowa investment fraud lawyer Robert Wayne Pearce specializes in getting individuals their money back from bad investments using any and all available methods.
If you are an investor who has recently dealt with investment loss due to potential securities or investment fraud, we want to help.
If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or call our Des Moines office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with an Iowa securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm works with clients throughout the state:
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
- Davenport
- Sioux City
- Iowa City
- Ankeny
- West Des Moines
- Ames
- Waterloo
- Council Bluffs
- Dubuque
- Urbandale
- Marion
- Cedar Falls
- Bettendorf
- Mason City
- Clinton
- Johnston
- Ottumwa
- Coralville