Investment Fraud Lawyers Serving Fort Lauderdale
The Fort Lauderdale investment fraud lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., represent investors who have watched their savings disappear because of broker misconduct and deception. We have extensive experience helping clients who were steered into sophisticated financial fraud schemes that promised high yield returns and delivered devastating losses instead. If a financial advisor or stockbroker betrayed your trust, we will fight to hold that person accountable and recover what you lost.
Brokers and advisors owe you a legal duty to recommend legitimate investment portfolios suited to your goals, and when they break that duty, you have the right to pursue your money. Our firm has been fighting for investors like you for over four decades, recovering $185 million for clients harmed by Fort Lauderdale investment and securities fraud. Call (800) 732-2889 today for a free consultation.
Investigations of Fort Lauderdale, Florida Brokers by the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce
Based on Robert Wayne Pearce’s securities-fraud investigations published on secatty.com, at least five Fort Lauderdale-based brokers stand out for multiple customer complaints. Ron Filoramo (formerly Morgan Stanley) faces the most serious record: he has been the subject of 4 customer complaints that we know about seeking to recover investment losses, and he was later barred by FINRA and sued by the SEC over the misappropriation of roughly $761,000 from two longtime clients. Donald Wallace (D.H. Hill Securities, formerly Financial West Group) has faced two complaints alleging misrepresentation, unsuitable recommendations, and inadequate due diligence involving debt-backed products. Gregory Whelan (Merrill Lynch) is described as having two customer complaints for alleged broker misconduct, tied to unsuitable investment recommendations and allegations of “selling away” investments outside the firm. Ran Regev (Osaic Wealth, formerly SagePoint Financial and MetLife Securities) has two disclosed complaints, one involving unsuitable discretionary trading and an earlier one over incorrect information given during a variable annuity transfer. Barbara Shaffer (Cambridge Investment Research, formerly National Securities Corporation) has drawn complaints alleging unsuitable investments, including exposure to the GPB Capital Ponzi scheme, and breach of fiduciary duty. In each case, the firm frames these disclosures as red flags investors should review carefully, noting that none of the brokers admitted wrongdoing and that some matters were settled, expunged, or remain pending.
Investment Fraud Cases We Handle in Fort Lauderdale
Investment fraud takes many forms, and our attorneys have recovered losses for Fort Lauderdale investors across every category of broker misconduct. Below are the most common types of cases we handle for clients throughout the area.Why Choose Robert Wayne Pearce as Your Investment Fraud Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?
Choosing the right attorney can shape the entire outcome of your investment fraud case, especially when you are up against well-funded brokerage firms and their legal teams. Many of our clients come to us feeling helpless and afraid after discovering that the advisor they trusted gambled away their savings, and we want you to know that, whether you are a local retiree or one of the international investors targeted by South Florida fraud, we will fight to get back what is rightfully yours.
- 45+ Years of Experience: Robert Wayne Pearce has handled investment fraud cases for over four decades, giving our firm an inside understanding of how brokerage firms defend themselves.
- $185 Million Recovered: Our firm has recovered $185 million for clients harmed by investment and securities fraud across the country.
- 99%+ Success Rate: Mr. Pearce has recovered funds for over 99% of his clients through court litigation, arbitrations, and settlements nationwide and internationally.
- 200+ Cases Tried: Attorney Pearce has tried over 200 cases to trial verdict or arbitration award, with only 4 losses for clients in his career.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We represent clients on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Meet The Team
ROBERT WAYNE PEARCE
Securities Attorney
ADAM KARA LOPEZ
Securities AttorneyThe FINRA Arbitration Process for Fort Lauderdale Investors
FINRA arbitration is the primary process Fort Lauderdale investors use to recover money lost to broker misconduct. Most brokerage agreements you signed when opening your account require disputes to be resolved through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which works alongside the Securities and Exchange Commission, rather than the courts. The process is typically faster and less costly than traditional litigation, and it generally moves through these stages:
- Filing the Statement of Claim: Your attorney files a document detailing the misconduct, your losses, and the recovery you are seeking.
- Arbitrator Selection: Both sides review and select neutral arbitrators from a list provided by FINRA.
- Discovery: The parties exchange account statements, financial documentation, and other evidence relevant to the claim.
- The Hearing: Each side presents evidence, witnesses, and arguments before the arbitration panel.
- The Award: The arbitrators issue a binding decision that determines what the brokerage firm must pay you.
How Investment Fraud Cases Work in Florida
Most Florida investment fraud cases follow three clear stages that carry you from an initial review all the way to recovery. Acting early protects your evidence and strengthens your claim, and our team guides you through every step of the way.
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Step 1:
Free Case Review and Account Analysis
We review your account statements and financial documentation at no cost to uncover financial fraud and determine whether you have a claim. -
Step 2:
Investigation and Filing the Claim
Our attorneys investigate the misconduct, document your losses, and file your claim with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. -
Step 3:
Arbitration, Settlement, or Trial
We pursue your recovery through arbitration, a negotiated settlement, or trial, whichever path serves your interests best. - Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Investment Fraud Attorneys Now for a Free Consultation Get A Free Consultation
If a broker or financial advisor cost you your savings, contact our Fort Lauderdale investment fraud attorneys now for a free, no-obligation consultation. The deadlines that govern these claims are strict, and waiting too long can quietly cost you the right to recover anything at all.
With $185 million recovered for defrauded investors and more than four decades of courtroom experience, we know what it takes to hold brokerage firms accountable. You do not have to face this alone, and you owe nothing unless we recover for you.
Call (800) 732-2889 today to discuss your case and take the first step toward getting your money back.
Other Areas in Florida We Serve
Our investment fraud attorneys represent defrauded investors throughout South Florida and the surrounding communities, including:Fort Lauderdale Investment Fraud F.A.Q
How long do I have to file an investment fraud claim in Florida?
The time you have depends on Florida’s statutes of limitations and FINRA’s six-year eligibility rule, both of which can limit when a claim may be brought. The applicable deadline often turns on the type of claim and the date you discovered the fraud. Acting quickly also helps preserve the account statements and other evidence your case will need. We recommend speaking with a lawyer promptly so the deadlines that apply to your situation are confirmed before any rights are lost.
How much does it cost to hire an investment fraud lawyer?
Most investment fraud lawyers, including our firm, handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money for you, and the initial consultation to review your case is always free. That arrangement allows defrauded investors to pursue justice without taking on any upfront financial risk.
What is the difference between FINRA arbitration and a lawsuit?
FINRA arbitration resolves disputes before a panel of neutral arbitrators rather than a traditional court judge or jury. Most brokerage contracts require investors to arbitrate through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the process tends to be faster, more private, and less expensive than court litigation. Some cases may still proceed through state or federal court when the circumstances call for it.
What damages can I recover in an investment fraud case?
Investors may be able to recover lost principal, lost investment opportunity, interest, costs, and in some cases attorney fees. The amount depends on the size of your losses and the specific misconduct involved in your case. Punitive damages may also apply where the financial fraud was especially egregious. An attorney can review your account statements to give you a realistic estimate of your potential recovery.