Your investments are important—that’s why so many individuals hire investment brokers and financial advisors to manage their investment accounts.
Having a qualified broker can be a great advantage to the growth of your investments. Unfortunately, however, investment and securities fraud remains a common and serious issue in the United States each year.
So what do you do if you are a victim of investment fraud at the hands of your broker?
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a mission of protecting investors; maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and facilitating capital formation. In furtherance of this goal, the SEC allows individual investors to file complaints against their broker or their broker’s firm.
If your broker committed negligence or broker fraud, you may be entitled to file a complaint and recover your losses. Violations of securities law can be reported to the SEC, which will conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Looking for information on how to file an SEC complaint against a broker? Look no further than the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.
Not only can our attorneys help you report your broker, but we can also help you recover your investment losses.
Filing a complaint against your broker with the SEC can be a great way to hold them accountable and put future investors on notice of their wrongdoing. However, doing so doesn’t necessarily help you get your money back. Contacting an attorney, however, can be the first step toward actually recovering your personal investment losses that you suffered at the hands of your broker.
Stockbroker fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce has over 40 years of experience handling complex securities, commodities, and investment arbitration and litigation cases. He has helped countless clients through their investment-related disputes, and he will fight to do the same for you.
Please don’t hesitate to send us an online message or call (800) 732-2889 today for assistance.
Why Would I File a Complaint?
There are numerous reasons you may need to file a complaint with the SEC against your broker.
Common examples of wrongful actions by a broker or brokerage firm include:
- Offering fraudulent or unregistered securities;
- Misappropriating client funds;
- Insider trading;
- Making false or misleading statements; and
- Failing to file required reports with the SEC.
Of course, not all actions by a broker constitute fraud for which you can file a complaint with the SEC. Remember, the stock market is inherently volatile, so the fact that you lost money does not necessarily mean your broker took any wrongful actions.
An experienced investment fraud attorney can help you determine whether filing a complaint with the SEC against a broker might be warranted.
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.
Filing a Complaint with the SEC Against a Broker: What You Need to Know
If you suffer financial losses due to the negligence or misconduct of a broker or brokerage firm, filing a complaint with the SEC against the broker can be an important step to take.
Not only can this help prevent future investors from being subject to the same fraudulent and predatory actions, but it may also provide you with an avenue to recover your losses.
How to File a Complaint Against a Broker
The first step in reporting your broker for fraud or misconduct is to file your formal complaint with the SEC.
The SEC provides an opportunity for members of the public at large to submit broker complaints electronically using the SEC’s Investor Complaint Form.
What to Include in Your Complaint
The Investor Complaint Form may appear simple to complete. However, there is more to it than you might think.
The form requires basic information such as:
- Your name and address;
- Basic information about your broker;
- The type of investment involved;
- A brief description of the events giving rise to your complaint; and
- Any actions you may have already to resolve your complaint against your broker, such as mediation, arbitration, or court action.
The complaint form can play a vital role in whether the SEC allows your case to move forward. Thus, the more information you are able to provide, the better equipped the SEC will be to investigate your complaint.
An experienced investment fraud attorney can be a great benefit to you as you complete your Investor Complaint Form and move forward in the process.
What Happens After Submitting My Complaint to the SEC
After the SEC receives your complaint, they will thoroughly investigate your claim and all relevant evidence.
Central to the process is confidentiality. The SEC conducts its investigations in a manner that will protect the parties and preserve the integrity of the complaint process.
Then, depending on the allegations asserted in your form, the complaint will be referred to the appropriate SEC office.
The Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
The Office of Investor Education and Advocacy handles basic investor questions regarding securities law and complaints related to financial professionals. These SEC officers will also advise complainants of possible remedies and, in some cases, will intervene on your behalf and reach out to brokers or other financial advisors concerning the issues raised in your complaint.
This office may also refer your complaint to another division of the SEC for resolution.
Enforcement Division
The Division of Enforcement, on the other hand, employs attorneys to review information and tips regarding securities law violations.
Officers in this office investigate the claims in their entirety, retrieving whatever evidence may be necessary. Again, it is important to note that the investigations conducted by the SEC are typically confidential unless made a matter of public record.
After completing a thorough investigation, the Enforcement Division may recommend that the SEC bring civil actions in federal court or before an administrative law judge to prosecute securities law violations.
Why Hire an Investment Loss Attorney to Assist with Complaints Against Your Broker?
Reporting the fraudulent misconduct of a broker to the SEC is important. However, filing an SEC complaint is not the only way to hold a broker or brokerage firm accountable.
In fact, in some cases, filing an SEC complaint may not be enough to get you the compensation you need to recover from your investment losses. In these cases, it is imperative that you contact an attorney to help you fight for the recovery you need and deserve.
An experienced investment and securities fraud attorney or FINRA arbitration lawyer can help you evaluate your case and determine how best to move forward.
At the end of the day, reporting your broker’s misconduct to the SEC can only do so much. The government ultimately does not help investors get back the money they lost.
An experienced investment loss attorney, however, will be an advocate for you as you fight to recover the compensation you need and deserve. A private arbitration or lawsuit against the broker or brokerage firm can provide an avenue to recover your investment losses.
Further, if you’re worried about repercussions that may result from filing a complaint, you may be able to do so anonymously through your attorney via a whistleblower complaint. In fact, since the inception of its whistleblower program in 2011, the SEC has awarded more than $700 million to successful whistleblowers. So don’t let the fear of an employer or someone else finding out about your complaint keep you from getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Wayne Pearce Today
Do you want to know how to file a complaint against a broker for investment fraud?
If so, the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is here to help.
Your investments are important to you and your future. And when a broker or brokerage firm puts your future at risk, you need someone in your corner who will pursue your case to the fullest extent of the law.
Investment fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce and his team have extensive experience handling all types of securities, commodities, and related fraud matters. With our more than 40 years in practice fighting for the rights of clients in need, you can rest assured knowing that your case will be in good hands.
Contact our team today for a free consultation to discuss your case and see how the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., can help you.
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