Victims of investment and securities fraud frequently hold themselves accountable, whether it’s for not vetting the individual promoting the investment, yielding to aggressive sales strategies, letting swindlers exploit their fears, or failing to keep a vigilant eye on their investments.
Fraudsters and stockbrokers bank on this self-blame, leveraging these tactics to maximize their financial gain, especially from seniors and other investors..
Alabama investment and securities fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A., has extensive experience representing investors and organizations that have suffered these sorts of losses.
If you have fallen victim to investment fraud and looking for an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve, please don’t hesitate to give call our Birmingham office at (800) 732-2889 and ask for Robert.
Types of Investment and Securities Fraud Cases We Can Help Advise and Recover on
In Alabama, investors often encounter a variety of investment fraud tactics employed by unscrupulous brokers and advisors. Common schemes include unsuitable investments where recommendations don’t align with the investor’s needs, and forced liquidation, where brokers sell without warning clients or advising on margin calls.
Ponzi schemes, which promise high returns, are fraudulent operations. Excessive trading, or churning, involves excessive transactions to generate commissions for advisors. Misrepresentation and omission entail deceptive or misleading information about investments.
Breaches of fiduciary duty occur when advisors prioritize their interests over clients’. Unauthorized trading happens when trades are executed without client permission. Failure to supervise involves brokerage firms not adequately monitoring advisors.
Overconcentration increases risk by holding too much of a single investment. Theft or misappropriation of client funds occurs when brokers steal money for personal use. Mutual fund sales violations, excessive markups/markdowns, and selling unapproved investments are also prevalent tactics.
Broker and advisor negligence, margin abuse, conflicts of interest, and private placements of risky, non-registered securities are common issues. Cryptocurrency fraud, 401(k) misconduct, microcap fraud, and mining and mineral securities fraud are notable schemes affecting Alabama investors.
EB-5 immigrant investor program fraud and advance fee schemes, where upfront fees are asked for in exchange for non-existent investments, are also prevalent. These frauds underscore the importance of vigilance and due diligence among investors in Alabama.
Why Hire Robert to Help You With Your Case?
We understand the stress and worry that comes with being a victim of investment and securities fraud, and we’re dedicated to supporting you through the legal process to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Robert Pearce and his team have been devoted to helping investors since 1980 and has successfully recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf, since he started counting 20 years ago. 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 Alabama law as it applies to financial fraud cases.
Don’t let a stockbroker or financial advisor’s fraud ruin your financial future – contact the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. today via our quick-response form, or call (800) 732-2889.
Our law firm works with clients throughout Alabama:
- Birmingham
- Huntsville
- Montgomery
- Mobile
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Auburn
- Dothan
- Decatur
- Madison
- Florence
- Vestavia Hills
- Phenix City
- Prattville
- Gadsden
- Alabaster
- Opelika
- Enterprise
- Bessemer
- Homewood
What is Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud?
Investment fraud, often referred to as securities fraud, involves deceptive practices to manipulate investors into making decisions that lead to significant financial losses.. This includes false or misleading information, outright theft, Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump strategies, and selling unregistered securities. Such fraud is illegal and punishable by law.
Dishonest stockbrokers out there and and financial advisors may push complex, high-risk investment products to earn commissions, often without considering their clients’ ability to handle potential losses. These actions can result in substantial financial harm to investors.
For example, a high-strung stock broker might pressure an investor into placing a large portion of their retirement savings into a risky, illiquid investment, misrepresenting the risks and potential returns. When the investment fails, the investor suffers significant losses.
Trusting your broker or financial advisor to act in your best interest is crucial! However, some may engage in misleading practices, excessive trading for commissions, or overcharging with hidden fees, violating their fiduciary duty.
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.
Can We Help Recover Your Investment Losses?
In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor committed fraud by misrepresenting or omitting to state material facts, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor was simply negligent in the management of your account.
In most cases, this means filing a FINRA arbitration claim against the broker-dealer and/or representative which your investment loss attorney will do for you.
The majority of securities fraud cases are handled by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rather than being brought to the court system.
FINRA arbitration offers a simplified and more economical approach to settling disagreements between investors and their brokers, bypassing the need for court proceedings. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to claim punitive damages, an option that is not available in many civil court cases.
As an American 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 Alabama, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/timothy-dolan-edward-jones-
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/shanda-dutton-bbva-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-davis-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kevin-mccallum-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/brandon-horton-ameriprise-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joshua-slocum-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/richard-klimpt-cetera-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/trey-toifel-cetera-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/tyler-camp-mml-investors-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/maury-lomax-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-hervig-fidelity-brokerage-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joshua-baker-mml-investors-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/bobby-aycock-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/blake-bolden-cetera-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-espy-concourse-financial-group-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/theodore-jackson-ameriprise-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/melinda-mccullough-lp-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/mary-autry-pfs-investments/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-ringhoffer-stifel-nicolaus/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-robb-raymond-james-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jerry-mccutchen-sr-berthel-fisher-company/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jamie-worden-worden-capital-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/henry-crosby-hightower-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gary-ely-concourse-financial-group-securities-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/floyd-powell-formerly-with-mml-investors-services-llc-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-byers-m-holdings-securities-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/damian-bell-international-assets-advisory/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/steve-cummings-berthel-fisher-and-company-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-lowell-crescent-securities-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/larry-boggs-international-assets-advisory/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/alexia-ball-cambridge-investment-research/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/cl-taylor-merrill-lynch/
Did You Know . . . Investment Loss 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 law 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?
An investment fraud lawyer like Robert 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
What Are the Alabama Statute of Limitations?
Time is of the essence when it comes to these financial fraud cases. Both Alabama and federal laws have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing legal claims. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for fraud is generally two years from the time of discovery of the fraud.
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.
In our toolbox, we typically pull out a breach of contract claim for failure to follow securities industry rules and regulations embedded in every customer agreement because the statute of limitations is 10 years, if under seal in 6 years, if not under seal. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.
Alabama and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Alabama investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- The Alabama Securities Act: The cornerstone of Alabama 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.
- The Alabama Business Corporation Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- The Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Alabama State Securities Board: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Alabama securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Alabama Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Alabama 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
- Alabama State Securities Board: https://asc.alabama.gov/
- Office of the Alabama Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.alabamaag.gov/consumer-complaint/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- The SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
Contact Us Today
If you are an investor who has recently dealt with investment loss due to potential securities or investment fraud, we want to help.
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Alabama securities fraud lawyer Robert Wayne Pearce specializes in getting individuals their money back from bad investments using any and all available methods.
If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or by phone at 561-338-0037 for a free confidential consultation with a Birmingham securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Robert Wayne Pearce has decades of first-hand experience in FINRA securities arbitration, and is one of the preeminent experts in this matter both nationwide and internationally.