Investment fraud victims often blame themselves, but brokerage firm misconduct is never your fault. Our securities attorneys have seen how brokers exploit client trust through churning accounts, selling unsuitable products, and misrepresenting investment risks. We help you document these violations and build strong FINRA claims against negligent brokers and their firms.
Recovery is possible when you work with counsel who knows the securities industry from the inside.
At Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A., we handle your case through contingency fee representation, which means you pay nothing up front and we cover the case costs as we go. You owe us no attorney fees unless we win.
Ohio Securities Attorneys Helping Investors Recover Stolen Funds
Investment fraud happens when someone lies to get your money into a fake or misrepresented investment. This includes Ponzi schemes, unregistered securities, or a broker who churns your account for commissions. Often it’s from someone you trusted, like a broker, a financial professional, or a “friend” with a hot tip.
Ohio Revised Code §1707.44(G) makes this illegal, and §1707.44(M) specifically bars investment adviser representatives from making false statements or omitting material facts. Federal laws like the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 back this up too.
Investment fraud drove nearly 49% of all scam-related losses reported to the FBI in 2025. But you don’t have to accept the loss. Our Ohio securities attorneys can investigate your case, file a FINRA arbitration claim, and fight to recover what you lost.
Ohio Securities Attorneys Helping Investors Recover Stolen Funds
Investment fraud happens when someone lies to get your money into a fake or misrepresented investment. This includes Ponzi schemes, unregistered securities, or a broker who churns your account for commissions. Often it’s from someone you trusted, like a broker, a financial professional, or a “friend” with a hot tip.
Ohio Revised Code §1707.44(G) makes this illegal, and §1707.44(M) specifically bars investment adviser representatives from making false statements or omitting material facts. Federal laws like the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 back this up too.
Investment fraud drove nearly 49% of all scam-related losses reported to the FBI in 2025. But you don’t have to accept the loss. Our Ohio securities attorneys can investigate your case, file a FINRA arbitration claim, and fight to recover what you lost.
How an Ohio Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You
If broker dealers, stockbrokers, or financial advisors caused your losses through fraud or negligence, an investment fraud attorney can help in the following ways:
Protecting Investors from Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
Brokers who recommend investments that don’t match your investment objectives and risk tolerance may violate FINRA Rule 2111. Our investment fraud lawyers can review your financial history and the broker’s recommendations to identify and pursue claims for unsuitable investments.
Fighting Excessive Trading and Churning Practices
Excessive trading or churning occurs when a broker trades excessively in your account to generate commissions, violating Ohio securities regulations and FINRA Rule 2111. It’s one of the most common deceptive practices we see in Ohio investment fraud cases.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can carefully analyze your transaction records to establish excessive trading and pursue appropriate claims.
Representation in Broker Misrepresentations and Omissions
Providing false or misleading information or withholding critical investment details violates both Ohio Revised Code §1707.44(B) and SEC Rule 10b-5. Our investment fraud attorneys can help you identify misrepresentations and omissions, building a strong case for compensation.
You can also file a complaint with the Ohio Division of Securities, the agency inside the Ohio Department of Commerce that licenses and regulates broker-dealers and investment advisers doing business in the state.
Addressing Unauthorized Trading and Forced Liquidation
Unauthorized trading and forced liquidation occur when a broker makes transactions without your consent or improperly liquidates your assets, breaching FINRA rules on discretionary authority and Ohio fiduciary law. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can advocate for investors affected by these unauthorized actions.
Pursuing Claims in Ponzi Scheme and Pyramid Fraud Cases
Ponzi schemes involve fraudulent investment structures promising high returns funded by new investors’ contributions, violating Ohio securities laws and federal statutes. Our Ohio securities fraud lawyers can investigate and pursue recovery on your behalf if you are a Ponzi scheme victim.
Holding Brokers Accountable for Breach of Fiduciary Duty
A breach of fiduciary duty occurs when brokers prioritize their own financial interests over yours, violating Ohio fiduciary standards. Our attorneys can help assess your broker’s fiduciary conduct and file a FINRA arbitration claim to recover your losses.
Legal Support in Mutual Fund and Private Placement Fraud Cases
Misrepresented private placements, structured notes, non-traded REITs, and variable annuities violate Ohio’s securities registration and disclosure rules under §1707.44. Our experienced investment fraud attorneys can scrutinize complex financial products for potential fraud, providing valuable support in these cases.
Protecting Investors from Overconcentration and Lack of Diversification
Overconcentration in a single asset or sector or the lack of diversification significantly increases investment risks and may breach fiduciary duties. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can review your portfolio for overconcentration and pursue compensation where appropriate.
Recovering Assets from Theft and Misappropriation
Broker theft or misappropriation constitutes criminal activity under Ohio law and breaches SEC Rule 10b-5. Our attorneys can cooperate with authorities and regulators to help you recover stolen assets.
Holding Firms Accountable for Failure to Supervise
Brokers acting without sufficient oversight may result in significant investor losses, violating FINRA Rule 3110 and Ohio Revised Code supervision requirements. Our firm can analyze brokerage practices and hold responsible parties accountable.
Understanding Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Investment Fraud
Ohio Revised Code §1707.43(B) generally gives you two years from when you discovered, or should have discovered, the fraud, or five years from the date of the sale, whichever period is shorter. Timely action is crucial, and our attorneys can help you file within these limits.
Additional Investment Fraud Violations We Handle Include:
- Cryptocurrency Scams
- Microcap Stock Manipulation
- Margin Abuse
- High-Yield Investment Schemes (HYIPs)
- Selling Away (Unauthorized Securities Sales)
- Forex Trading Fraud
If you’ve experienced any of the following, contact us today to talk to our securities attorneys.
Why Choose us as Your Investment Fraud Lawyer?
The lawyer you pick can be the difference between getting your money back and walking away empty-handed. That’s why you want a firm that’s spent decades doing nothing but investment fraud recovery.
Here’s why Ohio investors choose us:
- 45+ Years of Experience: Robert Wayne Pearce started his career as an SEC enforcement attorney, so he learned how brokerage firms build their defense from the inside before he ever represented investors against them.
- $185 Million Recovered: We’ve recovered $185 million for defrauded investors nationwide, including throughout Ohio.
- 200+ Cases Tried: Attorney Pearce has tried more than 200 cases to verdict or arbitration award. In his entire career, he’s only lost 4 of them.
- 99%+ Success Rate: Mr. Pearce has recovered money for over 99% of his clients through litigation, FINRA arbitration, and settlements, in the U.S. and abroad.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We take Ohio investment fraud cases on a contingency fee basis. You owe us $0 attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If a broker or advisor cost you money, this is the track record you want behind your claim.
What Can an Ohio Investment Fraud and Loss Recovery Lawyer Do for Investors?
An investment fraud lawyer helps investors recover financial losses caused by a financial advisor or broker who put their own interests first. If you suffered investment losses because your advisor put commissions ahead of your interests, an Ohio securities litigation attorney can build your case and file it for you.Ohio 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 you understand your legal options. If you have questions about how to move forward or you’re ready to take legal action, contact us directly online or call our Columbus office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation. We aggressively defend Ohio investors and fight for your financial recovery and justice.
Our law firm serves clients throughout Ohio:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common examples of investment fraud in Ohio?
Common forms include misrepresentation of investment risks, unauthorized trading, excessive transactions (churning), unsuitable investment recommendations, Ponzi schemes, and breach of fiduciary duty. These are violations of Ohio’s Securities Act and FINRA rules.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for an investment fraud case?
Our FINRA attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free, and there are no upfront legal costs.
Can I still recover my losses if I signed an arbitration clause or risk disclosure?
Yes. Even if you signed an arbitration agreement or a disclosure document, brokers are still legally required to act in your best interest. If they violated that duty, you may have a valid FINRA arbitration claim.
How long do I have to file a securities fraud claim in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code §1707.43(B), you generally have two years from the date you discovered the violation, or five years from the date of the sale, whichever period is shorter.
What is FINRA arbitration, and how does it help me recover losses?
FINRA arbitration is a faster, cost-effective alternative to court for resolving disputes with brokerage firms. Most claims go through the FINRA arbitration process instead of a courtroom, and we handle every stage, from filing your investor claims through the arbitration hearings, to pursue maximum compensation.