Montana investment fraud/loss attorney Robert Wayne Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A., has extensive experience representing investors and organizations in securities arbitrations through FINRA in the State of Montana.

Being duped out of your savings by a fraudster affects us in different ways; anger, humiliation, depression, among many other emotions are commonplace.

We 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 Montana 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 our Billings office line at (800) 732-2889 to speak with a securities fraud attorney

What is Investment Fraud

The term “investment fraud” is often used synonymously with “securities fraud,” referring to the employment of deceitful tactics, such as the dissemination of false or misleading information, to influence investors’ decisions, leading to significant financial losses.

Unscrupulous brokers in Montana or out of state might go as far as committing direct theft of funds or securities from investors.

All forms of investment fraud aim to deceive investors into taking actions that benefit the perpetrator financially. This may include schemes like Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, or the sale of unregistered securities. Securities fraud is an illegal or unethical activity punishable by law.

“Did you know that in the first quarter of 2023, The FTC has reported nearly 50,000 individual cases of investor fraud with an estimated $1.9 Billion in total losses?”

Brokers, broker-dealers, and investment advisers frequently market novel and complex investment offerings with the aim of generating substantial commissions and profits, without considering if their clients can sustain possible losses. Such intricate investment options and tactics, apt for only a minority of investors open to substantial risks, are occasionally exploited to conceal excessive trading and risk exposure within accounts.

Example Scenario: A broker convinces an investor to allocate a substantial segment of their retirement funds into a high-risk, non-liquid investment, minimizing the dangers involved, overstating the potential gains, and urging the investor to decide swiftly. This investment eventually collapses, resulting in notable financial setbacks for the investor.

When you first hired your broker-dealer, it’s likely that you trusted them to put your best interests first. Unfortunately, many brokers and financial advisors don’t live up to their fiduciary duty or have committed outright securities fraud. They might mislead you about investments, conceal risks, engage in excessive trading (churning) to generate commissions, or overcharge you with hidden fees.

Investment Losses? We Can Help

Discuss your legal options with an attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.

Get A Free Consultation

or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.

Robert Pearce

How our Securities Fraud Attorneys Can Help You Recover Financial Losses

Indeed, experiencing losses is a natural aspect of investing. However, brokers who engage in fraudulent activities can be legally accountable. If you suspect you’ve fallen prey to investment fraud, reaching out to a lawyer specializing in such cases is crucial. Additionally, it might be necessary to inform regulatory organizations such as the SEC or FINRA about possible 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.

Should you incur financial losses due to a stockbroker’s or advisor’s negligence or fraud, the simplest method to determine your legal standing is by contacting our office at 800-732-2889. Let us show you how our expert investment fraud law firm can champion your cause.

Our law firm works with clients throughout the state:

  • Billings
  • Missoula
  • Great Falls
  • Bozeman
  • Butte
  • Helena
  • Kalispell
  • Belgrade
  • Havre
  • Anaconda
  • Miles City
  • Livingston
  • Laurel
  • Whitefish
  • Sidney
  • Lewistown
  • Glendive
  • Columbia Falls
  • Polson
  • Hamilton

Can Your Firm Help Recover my Investment Losses?

In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated securities statutes, breached their fiduciary duty, acted negligently, or disregarded FINRA Conduct Rules.

In most cases, this means filing a FINRA arbitration claim against the broker-dealer and/or representative, which our firm will do.

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 Montana, including:

What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?

investment fraud lawyers

An investment fraud and loss recovery 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 is the Cost to Hire an Investment Loss Attorney?

Usually, the first meeting with a investment fraud/loss lawyer comes at no cost. In this meeting, the attorney will evaluate your situation and provide you with an estimated cost for their legal services.

Should you choose to proceed with your case, it’s common to enter into a contingency fee arrangement. This arrangement implies that you will only be required to compensate the lawyer if they succeed in securing a financial recovery for you. If they do not manage to win the case, you will not be responsible for paying any legal fees.

Montana Securities Fraud Laws

Montana investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:

    • Key Laws and Regulations
        • Montana Securities Act: The cornerstone of Montana 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.

        • The Montana Business Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.

        • The Montana Deceptive Practices Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.

    • Governing Agencies
        • Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Montana securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.

        • Office of the Montana Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Montana 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

What Are the Statute of Limitations?

In Montana, the deadline for filing a securities fraud claim aligns with the federal guideline, which usually allows for five years from the date of the infraction, or two years from when the fraud could reasonably have been detected, to file a claim. Consulting an attorney promptly is vital to ensure that your claim is submitted within these established deadlines.

Types of Investment and Securities Fraud Cases We Can Help Represent You With

There are a variety of investment fraud tactics that unscrupulous brokers and advisors may use.

Our firm has represented investors who have fallen victim to a wide range of investment fraud tactics, including:

    • Mutual Fund Sales Violations: Recommending unsuitable mutual funds or excessive switching.

    • Excessive Markups/Markdowns: Inflated prices when buying/selling securities.

    • Selling Away: The advisor sells unapproved investments outside the firm.

    • Broker & Advisor Negligence: Failure to adhere to industry standards.

    • Margin Abuse: Encouraging excessive margin use, leading to high risks.

    • Conflicts of Interest: Prioritizing advisor/firm profits over client interests.

    • Private Placements: Selling risky, non-registered securities.

    • Cryptocurrency Fraud: Deceitful schemes related to digital currencies.

    • 401(k) Plan Misconduct: Fiduciary breaches affecting retirement plans.

    • Microcap Fraud: Manipulation of stocks of small companies.

    • Mining and Mineral Investment Fraud: Schemes involving fictitious investments in mining or minerals.

    • EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Fraud: Scams related to obtaining visas through investment.

    • Advance Fee Schemes: Asking for upfront fees in exchange for non-existent investments.

    • Including many more that we can’t fit on this list

Contact a Billings Motnana Securities Fraud and Investment Loss Attorney Today

The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Montana investment loss recovery 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 call our Billings office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Montana securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.