The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represents investors who have suffered losses due to stockbroker fraud caused by unauthorized trading, excessive commissions, misrepresentation of investment products and other securities violations. As experienced Washington securities and investment fraud attorneys with over 45 years protecting investor rights, we understand the betrayal you feel when trusted professionals violate their fiduciary duty to safeguard your investments.
Washington State is home to over a million residents aged 65+, a group especially targeted by financial predators. According to the state Attorney General’s Office, adults over 50 account for over half of all fraud victims, and roughly a quarter of Washington adults report having been victimized by consumer fraud. Investment scams—Ponzi schemes, unregistered securities, and annuity fraud—remain persistent threats to retirees’ savings statewide.
Attorney Pearce and his experienced team are ready to fight for your recovery through FINRA arbitration claims, state and federal courts, and other arbitration forums necessary to reclaim your financial security from the devastation of loss.
Recovery is possible. Our securities attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your investment losses.
How a Washington Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You
If you’ve experienced investment fraud in Washington, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can help you understand your rights and pursue recovery for your financial losses.
Misrepresentation and Omissions
Misrepresentation occurs when brokers or advisors provide false or misleading information about investments or omit critical facts. Under the Securities Act of Washington (RCW 21.20), such deceptive practices are prohibited and actionable. Our investment fraud lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can help investigate your broker’s actions and pursue a claim for your losses, potentially through FINRA arbitration.
Churning (Excessive Trading)
Churning involves excessive trading in your account primarily for generating commissions, violating fiduciary duties under RCW 21.20.035. Our securities fraud attorneys can analyze your trading records to determine if your broker excessively traded your account, then assist in filing a complaint through FINRA to seek compensation.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Financial advisors have a fiduciary responsibility to act in your best interests. Breaching this duty, such as recommending unsuitable investments, is illegal under both federal securities laws and Washington state regulations (RCW 21.20.010). Attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can assess your advisor’s compliance with fiduciary standards and support you in initiating appropriate legal action.
Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Schemes
These schemes involve using new investor funds to pay previous investors, creating an illusion of profitability. Such practices violate RCW 21.20.010 and federal regulations. Our lawyers have significant experience uncovering fraudulent schemes and can assist in recovering your investment through legal claims against perpetrators and negligent financial institutions.
Unauthorized Trading
Brokers are required to get your approval before making trades in your account. Unauthorized transactions are violations under RCW 21.20.010 and actionable through FINRA arbitration. The attorneys at our firm can review your brokerage records and determine the best course of action to recover your financial losses.
Unsuitable Investments
Brokers must recommend investments suitable for your financial situation and goals, per FINRA Rule 2111 and RCW 21.20.010. If your broker recommended inappropriate investments resulting in losses, our investment fraud attorneys can guide you through the arbitration process to recover damages.
Broker Negligence
Brokers are obligated to provide reasonable care when managing investments. Negligence, including failure to execute trades timely or provide accurate information, can violate industry standards under RCW 21.20.035. Our team can help determine negligence and assist you in filing a claim to recover damages.
Failure to Supervise
Brokers and brokerage firms must properly supervise their representatives according to FINRA Rule 3110. Failures in supervision can lead to substantial investor harm and liability for firms. The attorneys at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. have experience holding brokerage firms accountable through arbitration and litigation for supervisory failures.
Statute of Limitations for Securities Fraud Claims
In Washington, securities fraud claims must be filed within three years from discovery of the fraud. Federally, claims typically have a five-year limit from the violation date or two years from discovery. Consulting promptly with an experienced securities fraud attorney is critical to ensuring your claim is timely filed.
Other Common Securities Violations Include:
- Pump and Dump Schemes
- Insider Trading
- Theft or Embezzlement of Funds
- Margin Abuse
- False Prospectus Claims
Washington Securities Laws
Washington regulates securities transactions primarily through the Securities Act of Washington, RCW 21.20. RCW 21.20.010 makes it unlawful to defraud investors, use fraudulent schemes, or make false statements or material omissions in connection with buying or selling a security. The Act also prohibits offering or selling unregistered securities, and acting as an unregistered broker-dealer, salesperson, or investment adviser.
This statute is one of Washington’s “blue sky laws,” a term used for state securities laws generally. These laws give Washington regulators authority to investigate and act against securities misconduct occurring within the state.
The Washington Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division, enforces these laws and administers rules under WAC 460. Regulations prohibit dishonest or unethical practices by broker-dealers and investment advisers, including unsuitable recommendations, unauthorized trading, deceptive advertising, and charging unreasonable fees or commissions.
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.
Need help? Contact our Washington Securities, Stockbroker and Investment Fraud Attorneys today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Washington investment fraud attorney 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 call our Seattle office line at (800) 732-2889 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 throughout Washington:
Client Testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as investment fraud in Washington?
Investment fraud occurs when a broker or advisor engages in misconduct such as misrepresentation, unauthorized trading, unsuitable investment recommendations, or breach of fiduciary duty. These actions violate Washington’s Securities Act (RCW 21.20) and FINRA regulations.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.
How do I know if my financial losses were caused by fraud or just market conditions?
If your advisor failed to explain risks, made trades without your permission, or placed you in investments that didn’t match your goals, it may indicate fraud or negligence—not just poor market performance. Our attorneys can review your account and investment history to find out.
Can I recover losses even if I signed a risk disclosure agreement?
Yes. Risk disclosures don’t shield brokers from liability for fraud, misrepresentation, or making unsuitable recommendations. Even if you signed a form, you may still have a strong case under state and federal law.
What’s the time limit for filing an investment fraud claim in Washington?
Under Washington law, securities fraud claims generally must be filed within three years of discovering the fraud. Federal claims are typically limited to two years from discovery or five years from the violation. Contacting an attorney promptly protects your right to recovery.
[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]