Virginia investment fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A., have extensive experience representing investors and organizations in securities arbitrations through FINRA in the State of Virginia.
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 a Virginia-based investor.
We have represented investors for over 40 years and 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 Virginia 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 (800) 732-2889.
Definition of Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud
Investment fraud, often referred to as securities fraud, encompasses the use of deceitful tactics, such as disseminating false or misleading information, to influence investors’ decisions, leading to significant financial losses. Unscrupulous brokers might even go as far as directly stealing funds or securities from investors.
Example Scenario: An investor is persuaded by their broker to put a large portion of their retirement savings into a high-risk, illiquid investment. The broker downplays the risks, misrepresents the potential returns, and pressures the investor to make a quick decision. The investment ultimately fails, leading to significant losses for the investor.
When you initially engaged the services of your broker-dealer, you probably expected them to prioritize your interests. Regrettably, numerous brokers and financial advisors fail to fulfill their fiduciary duties, or they may even commit securities fraud. They could misrepresent investment opportunities, hide associated risks, excessively trade (or churn) to earn commissions, or impose hidden fees that inflate your costs.
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.
Virginia and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Virginia investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Virginia Securities Act: The cornerstone of Virginia 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.
- Virginia Stock Corporation Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Virginia Consumer Protection Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Virginia State Corporation Commission-Division of Securities and Retail Franchising Department: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Virginia securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Virginia Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Virginia 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
- Virginia State Division of Securities: https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Securities-Registration
- Office of the Virginia Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Virginia Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You
While investment losses are a natural part of the investment process, brokers can be held legally accountable if they engage in fraudulent activities. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of investment fraud, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in these matters. Additionally, it may be necessary to report your concerns to regulatory agencies such as the SEC or FINRA, especially if you suspect market manipulation or insider trading.
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 have lost money due to negligence or fraud by a stockbroker or advisor, the easiest way to know if you have a case is to call our office at 800-732-2889. Here’s how our knowledgeable and experienced investment fraud law firm can advocate for you:
- Represent & Advise: We’ll stand as your legal representative, advising you on your rights and options throughout the process.
- Investigate & Analyze: We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, meticulously analyzing financial documents and potential fraudulent schemes to uncover evidence of wrongdoing.
- Identify Liable Parties: We’ll work strategically to identify all potentially liable parties, including brokers, financial advisors, and financial institutions.
- File Complaints & Lawsuits: We’ll file formal complaints with regulatory agencies (such as the SEC or FINRA) and, when necessary, initiate lawsuits to protect your interests.
- Litigate & Negotiate: We are skilled litigators ready to fight aggressively for you in court or arbitration. Additionally, we’ll negotiate tirelessly to secure the most favorable settlement possible.
- Recover Losses: Our ultimate goal is to recover your financial losses and protect you from further harm. We are results-driven and committed to achieving the maximum financial recovery you deserve.
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 Virginia Securities Act, Securities Exchange Act of 1934, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or breached their contracts to abide by FINRA rules and regulations.
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 Virginia, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/daniel-fair-davenport-and-company/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/douglas-carson-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/nancy-foster-securian-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/eric-johnson-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/randall-wachman-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kent-engelke-capitol-securities-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/roderick-day-cabot-lodge-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-chapman-wells-fargo/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-corrada-center-street-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/virginia-jamka-pnc-investments/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/freddie-barbour-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/christopher-walters-janney-montgomery-scott/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/acie-hylton-truist-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-raper-jr-wealthforge-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/alexandra-babb-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/maureen-kane-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/timothy-judson-osaic-wealth/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-doiron-cabot-lodge-securities-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/ronnie-cochran-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/thomas-bryant-jr-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-starke-sr-centaurus-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-randolph-wells-fargo-clearing-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/benjamin-eastman-thrivent-investment-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/amy-tucker-edward-jones/
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
What Are the Statute of Limitations?
Time is of the essence when it comes to investment fraud cases. Both Virginia and federal laws have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing legal claims. In Virginia, the statute of limitations for securities fraud must be brought within 2 years after the transaction upon which the claim is based. 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 Virginia, investors are often targeted by various types of investment fraud. Common tactics include unsuitable investments, where recommendations do not align with the investor’s needs, and forced liquidation, where brokers sell assets without notifying clients.
Ponzi schemes promise high returns but are fraudulent. Excessive trading, or churning, generates commissions for advisors at the investor’s expense. Misrepresentation and omission involve providing deceptive information. Breach of fiduciary duty occurs when advisors prioritize their interests over the client’s.
Unauthorized trading, failure to supervise, overconcentration, and theft or misappropriation of client funds are also prevalent. Additionally, issues such as mutual fund sales violations, excessive markups/markdowns, and selling unapproved investments are common.
Broker negligence, margin abuse, conflicts of interest, and risky private placements pose significant risks. Cryptocurrency fraud, 401(k) plan misconduct, microcap fraud, mining investment scams, EB-5 program fraud, and advance fee schemes are other tactics used to deceive Virginia investors.
Contact a Virginia Securities and Investment Fraud Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Virginia 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 by phone at 561-338-0037 for a free confidential consultation with a Virginia securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm works with Virginia clients in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Arlington, Norfolk, Richmond, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton. Roanoke, Portsmouth, and throughout the state. 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.