Have you fallen victim to investment fraud? Are you looking for an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve?
Washington investment fraud and securities 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 Washington.
We recognize the stress and frustration that accompanies being a victim of investment fraud, and we’re committed to guiding you through the legal process to ensure those accountable are brought to justice.
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 Washington 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 is a term sometimes used interchangeably with securities fraud, and it involves using deceptive practices, including false or misleading information, to manipulate investors into making investment decisions that result in substantial losses. Dishonest brokers may even resort to outright theft of investor’s funds or securities.
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 your broker-dealer, you probably expected them to prioritize your interests. However, it’s not uncommon for brokers and financial advisors to fall short of their fiduciary duty, or even engage in securities fraud. They may mislead you about investment opportunities, hide associated risks, excessively trade (churn) to earn commissions, or impose hidden fees that overcharge you in managing your account.
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.
Washington and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Washington investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Securities Act of Washington: The cornerstone of Washington 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.
- Washington Business Corporation Act: This statute outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Washington Unfair Business Practices-Consumer Protection Act This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Washington Department of Financial Institutions: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Washington securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Washington Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Washington 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
- Washington Department of Financial Institutions: https://dfi.wa.gov/securities
- Office of the Washington Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Washington Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You
While experiencing investment losses is a common aspect of investing, brokers who commit fraud can be held legally accountable. If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of investment fraud, it’s crucial to reach out to an investment fraud attorney who has expertise in handling such cases. Additionally, it may be necessary to notify regulatory authorities like the SEC or FINRA about potential market manipulation or insider trading.
The quicker you take action, the better your chances of obtaining compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we have successfully assisted numerous investors in reclaiming losses caused by investment fraud. We will meticulously investigate your case, expose any misrepresentations or fraudulent activities, and vigorously pursue the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Learn how our experienced investment fraud law firm can represent and support 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 Federal Securities laws, Securities Act of Washington, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor, breached contracts to follow industry rules and regulations or were negligent in dealing with you and your investments.
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 Washington, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/richard-canoy-signator-investors/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-wehrman-ubs-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/tawn-bullock-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/melissa-cournyer-purshe-kaplan-sterling-investments/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/bret-edensword-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jason-franklin-pruco-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jianmin-gu-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/shawn-layton-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-topper-ameriprise-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/janine-ruland-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/bryce-jones-independent-financial-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/karen-briggs-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/raymond-thill-charles-schwab-and-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/richard-westerman-northwest-investment-advisors/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/roger-duval-pruco-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/randall-duggan-moloney-securities-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-schrack-center-street-securities-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/charles-hartley-b-riley-wealth-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/roger-follis-b-riley-wealth-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/yong-chang-independent-financial-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/bryan-baker-key-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/andrew-rodgers-raymond-james-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/renee-harris-christian-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-henson-raymond-james-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-horvath-ameriprise-financial-services/
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients
Over the past two decades, Robert Pearce has successfully recovered more than $175 million for his investor clients. Impressively, he has secured recoveries for over 99% of his investor clients through various means, 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?
When dealing with investment fraud cases, acting swiftly is crucial due to the statutes of limitations under both Washington and federal laws, which dictate the deadlines for filing legal claims. In Washington, the deadline to file a claim for securities fraud is three years from the date the fraud was or should have been discovered with reasonable care. Federally, the statute of limitations for securities fraud is generally five years from the date of the violation or two years from when the fraud should have been detected. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures that your claim is filed within these time limits.
Contact a Local 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. Washington 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 Washington securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm serves clients across Washington, including in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Yakima, Renton, and Spokane Valley, as well as other areas statewide. Robert Wayne Pearce brings decades of direct experience in FINRA securities arbitration, establishing him as a leading expert in this field both nationally and internationally.