The page explains that non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) were widely promoted but often involved misrepresentations about returns, liquidity, and risks. At our firm, we’ve seen investors misled by sales solicitations lacking transparency, resulting in unsuitable, complex investment losses. Understanding these risks is essential before investing in any illiquid REIT offering.
Continue ReadingVariable and equity-indexed annuities are complex retirement products that mix investment risk with insurance guarantees, and many investors misunderstand their features and costs. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we see that variable annuities often carry hidden fees and suitability concerns for retirees, and EIAs blend fixed and market-linked returns in ways that can confuse buyers.
Continue ReadingYour broker cannot sell your stocks without permission unless you provided written authorization. Two situations may allow sales without express consent: trading in a discretionary account and liquidations triggered by a margin call. If you discover unexpected sales, determine who placed the order, review account agreements, and consult a stockbroker fraud lawyer about your rights.
Continue ReadingIf you suspect broker misconduct, filing an SEC investor complaint can help regulators investigate and protect other investors. The form asks for your contact details, broker information, investment type, a brief narrative, and any steps you have already taken. An attorney can organize evidence, manage confidentiality, and pursue recovery through arbitration or litigation when warranted.
Continue ReadingInvestors in UBS ETRAC Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) often suffered forced liquidations at prices set by UBS, resulting in significant losses when markets fell. These complex, leveraged ETNs were marketed as income-producing but carried high risk and credit exposure. At our firm, we represent investors in arbitration claims for misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, and unsuitable recommendations.
Continue ReadingSection 72(t) is often promoted as a secret to early retirement by brokers and advisors, promising penalty-free access to 401(k) and IRA funds before age 59½. However, because withdrawals must be substantially equal periodic payments that can’t stop without penalties and market returns vary, this strategy often erodes retirement savings instead of preserving it.
Continue ReadingThe Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. secured a significant arbitration victory in which an investor received more than $6 million in awards for losses tied to unsuitable recommendations and overconcentration in UBS and UBS Puerto Rico securities, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to holding brokers accountable. Our attorneys emphasize protecting investors from misleading advice and pursuing recovery when financial advisors fail to act in clients’ best interest.
Continue ReadingSecurities fraud, also called investment or stock fraud, occurs when false or misleading information is used to induce investors to buy, sell, or hold securities, causing substantial losses. It may be committed by brokers, advisors, firms, corporations, or online scammers. Common schemes include high-yield promises, Ponzi or pyramid tactics, advance-fee scams, unauthorized trading, and churning.
Continue ReadingSecurities fraud claims under Section 10(b) are governed by two separate time limits: a two-year statute of limitations and a five-year statute of repose. The limitations clock generally runs from when an investor discovers facts suggesting a violation, while repose runs from the defendant’s last culpable act. Because triggers differ, prompt legal review matters today.
Continue ReadingBroker-dealer fraud occurs when stockbrokers put their financial interests ahead of customers, violating fiduciary duties through churning, misappropriation, unsuitable recommendations, or theft. Misconduct can be negligence rather than intent. Investors may pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration, often faster and more private than court, and should consult a securities attorney to evaluate options and protect rights.
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