Alabama investment fraud 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 Alabama.

Have you fallen victim to investment fraud? Are you looking for an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve?

It’s crucial to have an investment fraud attorney who is committed to safeguarding your rights as an investor. Victims of investment fraud frequently hold themselves accountable, whether it’s for not vetting the individual promoting the investment, yielding to aggressive sales strategies, letting swindlers exploit their fears, or failing to keep a vigilant eye on their investments. Fraudsters and stockbrokers bank on this self-blame, leveraging these tactics to maximize their financial gain, especially from seniors and other investors.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with being a victim of investment fraud, and we’re dedicated to supporting you through the legal process to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Robert Pearce and his team have been devoted to helping investors since 1980 and has successfully recovered over $170 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf, since he started counting 20 years ago. 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 Alabama 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 (800) 732-2889.

Definition of Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud

Investment fraud is a term sometimes used interchangeably with securities fraud, and it involves using deceptive practices, including false or misleading information, to manipulate investors into making investment decisions that result in substantial losses. Dishonest brokers may even resort to outright theft of investor’s funds or securities. 

The most common form of investment fraud or securities fraud or false and misleading statements intended to induce the investor to rely upon the predator and part with their money so the stockbroker or financial adviser can make a commission.

Every type of investment fraud is designed to trick investors into making decisions that financially favor the fraudster. This could involve tactics such as Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump strategies, or selling securities that are not registered. Engaging in securities fraud is both unlawful and immoral, and it is subject to legal penalties.

“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 often sell new and exotic investment products to earn high commissions and profits, regardless of whether their clients are prepared to handle potential losses.  The new investments with stockbrokers and financial advisors don’t even understand or structured products appearing to be fixed income producing investments tied to the equity market.  These complex investment products and strategies, which are suitable only for a small portion of investors willing to take significant risks, are sometimes used to obscure excessive trading and risk within accounts.

Example Scenario: An investor is persuaded by their broker to put a large portion of their retirement savings into a high-risk, illiquid investment. The broker downplays the risks, misrepresents the potential returns, and pressures the investor to make a quick decision. The investment ultimately fails, leading to significant losses 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

Alabama and Federal Laws That Protect Investors

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

  • Key Laws and Regulations
    • The Alabama Securities Act: The cornerstone of Alabama 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 Alabama Business Corporation Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
    • The Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
  • Governing Agencies
    • Alabama State Securities Board: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Alabama securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
    • Office of the Alabama Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Alabama 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

How our Alabama Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You

Yes, investment losses are a part of investing, but when brokers commit fraud, they can be held legally responsible. If you believe you have been a victim of investment fraud, it is important to contact an investment fraud lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. Regulatory bodies like the SEC or FINRA might also need to be alerted to potential market manipulation or insider trading.

Acting quickly increases your likelihood of obtaining compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we’ve successfully assisted numerous investors in recouping their losses from investment fraud. Our approach includes a comprehensive investigation of your case to identify any deceit or fraudulent actions and a determined effort to secure the justice and restitution you’re entitled to.

If you have lost money due to negligence or fraud by a stockbroker or advisor, the easiest way to know if you have a case is to call our office at 800-732-2889. Here’s how our knowledgeable and experienced investment fraud law firm can advocate for you:

  • Represent & Advise: We’ll stand as your legal representative, advising you on your rights and options throughout the process.
  • Investigate & Analyze: We’ll thoroughly investigate your case, meticulously analyzing financial documents and potential fraudulent schemes to uncover evidence of wrongdoing.
  • Identify Liable Parties: We’ll work strategically to identify all potentially liable parties, including brokers, financial advisors, and financial institutions.
  • File Complaints & Lawsuits: We’ll file formal complaints with regulatory agencies (such as the SEC or FINRA) and, when necessary, initiate lawsuits to protect your interests.
  • Litigate & Negotiate: We are skilled litigators ready to fight aggressively for you in court or arbitration. Additionally, we’ll negotiate tirelessly to secure the most favorable settlement possible.
  • Recover Losses: Our ultimate goal is to recover your financial losses and protect you from further harm. We are results-driven and committed to achieving the maximum financial recovery you deserve.

Can I Recover my Investment Losses?

In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor committed fraud by misrepresenting or omitting to state material facts, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor was simply negligent in the management of your account.

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

The majority of securities fraud cases are handled by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rather than being brought to the court system.

FINRA arbitration offers a simplified and more economical approach to settling disagreements between investors and their brokers, bypassing the need for court proceedings. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to claim punitive damages, an option that is not available in many civil court cases.

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 Alabama, including:

Click Here to see more

Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include: 

FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $7,840,000

This FINRA arbitration involved a complex options trading strategy in the oil and gas sector for a Brazilian holding company against one of the largest Midwest broker-dealers in United States and resolved through mediation on the eve of trial in 2010.

FINRA ARBITRATION AWARD $5,887,498

Case No. 17-02354

Jose E. Blanco Garrido, et al. v. UBS Financial Services Inc.

This FINRA arbitration case against UBS Financial Services, Inc. focused on the excessive investment of the Blanco family’s assets in Puerto Rico municipal bonds and closed-end bond funds. The arbitration panel ruled largely in favor of the Blanco family, awarding them nearly all of their claimed losses, plus over $1.5 million in prejudgment interest, and all litigation costs amounting to $170,000. This decision came after the family was advised to maintain their holdings in Puerto Rico securities in the fall of 2012, despite the risky market conditions at that time. The favorable award for the Blanco family was delivered following 40 hearing sessions in 2019.

FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $1,513,000

This FINRA Arbitration case centered on an investor who alleged that her Puerto Rico broker-dealer excessively concentrated her portfolio in Puerto Rico municipal bonds and closed-end bond funds. Additionally, she accused the broker-dealer of making inappropriate recommendations to maintain those positions despite being aware of the risky market conditions. The dispute was resolved in 2019 with a settlement significantly larger than what the broker-dealer had acknowledged as her losses.

Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $170 Million On Behalf of His Clients

In the last 20 years alone, Robert Pearce has recovered over $170 million for his investor clients. In fact, he has recovered funds for over 99% of his investor clients through various avenues of recovery, including settlements, arbitrations, and court litigation. 

No investment fraud firm can ever guarantee the same or similar results in any given case. However, when you hire the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., you can sleep well knowing you are in qualified and capable hands. Attorney Robert Pearce has represented hundreds of investors over his 40 year career and in the last 20 years alone recovered over $170 million for his investor clients.

Robert Pearce will fight for your rights day in and day out to get you the recovery you are entitled to.

What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?

What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?

investment fraud lawyers

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.

Client Testimonials

Good
Based on 40 reviews
Barbara Lowe
Barbara Lowe
2021-08-22
I greatly appreciate the introduction to Bob Pearce. Exceptional in all respects, his experience and expertise along with Bob’s genuine goal to succeed on my behalf was extraordinary. If there was a scale from one to ten… he would no doubt rate a TEN from me. Extremely satisfied and highly recommend! Sincerest regards. BL
Franklyn Clarke
Franklyn Clarke
2021-06-11
If you are looking for an attorney who is not intimidated by the big name firms, I highly recommend Robert W Pearce. From start to finish, he and his team took control of the case and only got me involved when absolutely necessary. The frivolous complaints were removed from my file.
Kathi Carlson
Kathi Carlson
2021-04-28
Robert Pearce has vast knowledge and experience in this specialized field of law. I highly recommend this true professional!
Mi Di
Mi Di
2021-04-14
Mr. Pearce efficiently and professionally solved my registration issues with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.

What is the Cost to Hire a Securities Attorney?

Should you choose to proceed with your case, you’ll usually be required to sign a contingency fee contract. This agreement stipulates that your payment to the lawyer is contingent upon the successful monetary recovery on your behalf. Under such an arrangement, the attorney receives a predetermined percentage of the total amount recovered. Conversely, if the attorney does not secure a successful outcome, you will not be responsible for any legal fees.

Choosing to advance with your case often involves signing a contingency fee contract. This type of agreement indicates that your obligation to pay the attorney arises only if they succeed in winning a financial award for you. In such instances, the attorney’s payment is a portion of the total amount recovered. If the attorney does not achieve a favorable result, you won’t be liable for any legal costs.

What Are the Statute of Limitations?

Time is of the essence when it comes to investment fraud cases. Both Alabama and federal laws have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing legal claims. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for fraud is generally two years from the time of discovery of the fraud.  Federally, the statute of limitations for securities fraud cases is typically five years from the date of the violation or two years from the date the fraud should have been discovered.  

In our toolbox, we typically pull out a breach of contract claim for failure to follow securities industry rules and regulations embedded in every customer agreement because the statute of limitations is 10 years, if under seal in 6 years, if not under seal.  It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

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:

  • Unsuitable Investments: Recommendations not aligned with the investor’s needs.
  • Forced liquidation (forced selling): Broker sold without warning client or advising on margin calls.
  • Ponzi Scheme Fraud: Fraudulent investment operation promising high returns.
  • Excessive Trading (Churning): Excessive transactions to generate advisor commissions.
  • Misrepresentation & Omission: Deceptive or misleading information about investments.
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Prioritizing advisor interests over the client’s best interests.
  • Unauthorized Trading: Executing trades without client permission.
  • Failure to Supervise: Brokerage firms not adequately monitoring advisors.
  • Overconcentration or lack of diversification: Holding too much of a single investment, increasing risk.
  • Theft or Misappropriation of client funds: Brokers stealing money for their own personal use.
  • 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 an Alabama Securities and Investment Fraud Attorney Today

The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Alabama 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.

If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or by phone at 561-338-0037 for a free confidential consultation with an Alabama securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.

Our law firm works with clients in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Dothan, Decatur, Hoover, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Phenix City, Opelika, Alabama and throughout the state. Robert Wayne Pearce has decades of first-hand experience in FINRA securities arbitration, and is one of the preeminent experts in this matter both nationwide and internationally.