If you’ve lost money through an investment that seemed legitimate, you’re not alone—and it may not be your fault. The Arizon investment fraud lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represent Arizona investors who’ve been harmed by stockbroker fraud, unsuitable investments, and brokerage firm misconduct.

Investment fraud happens when financial professionals breach their duty to act in your best interests. Common forms include misrepresentation of risks, unauthorized trading, and recommending investments unsuitable for your financial situation. With over 45 years of experience in securities law, we’ve aggressively helped clients recover more than $175 million through FINRA arbitration and other legal channels.

We understand the devastation of discovering your trusted advisor put their interests above yours. Whether you’ve suffered losses from broker negligence, churning, or other securities violations, recovery is possible. Our firm focuses exclusively on helping investors like you seek justice against dishonest brokers and their firms.

FINRA arbitration provides a streamlined path for investors to recover investment losses without the expense and delay of traditional court proceedings. We handle cases involving stocks, bonds, mutual funds, variable annuities, and other securities throughout Arizona. You deserve an Arizona investment fraud attorney who knows how to navigate these complex claims and fight for maximum recovery.

If you suspect investment fraud or broker misconduct caused your losses, contact our Phoenix office at (800) 732-2889 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Our Arizona investment and securities fraud lawyers works with clients throughout our state:

Investment Fraud? 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 an Arizona Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You

If you are a victim of investment fraud in Arizona, the experienced investment fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can potentially help you recover your losses. Below are common types of securities violations and how our Arizona securities lawyers can assist.

Private Placement Fraud (Unregistered Securities)

Private placements are securities offerings exempt from registration, typically marketed to accredited investors. However, fraudulent schemes arise when promoters misrepresent investments or fail to register securities as required by the Arizona Securities Act (ARS §44-1841). Our Arizona investment fraud lawyers can assist by thoroughly investigating the offerings, determining liability, and pursuing claims for recovery.

Real Estate Investment Scams

Real estate investment fraud often involves unregistered promissory notes sold through misleading cold calls promising high returns. A recent case in Arizona resulted in restitution exceeding $4.49 million due to such fraudulent practices. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can analyze your case, seek damages, and guide you through arbitration or litigation.

Ponzi Schemes Targeting Arizona Retirees

Ponzi schemes utilize new investors’ funds to pay earlier investors. In Arizona, schemes like that of Marketing Dynamics, Inc. in Mesa, have led to significant financial hardship for retirees. Our investment fraud attorneys understand the complexity of these cases and can aggressively pursue recovery options available under Arizona law, including claims for securities fraud under ARS §44-1991.

Affinity Fraud

Affinity fraud targets groups such as religious organizations or ethnic communities, exploiting trust and community bonds. If you are a victim, our attorneys can help establish the fraudulent activities and violations of the Arizona Securities Act to pursue damages.

Failure to Diversify Investments

Brokers and investment advisors must diversify client portfolios to mitigate risk. Failure to diversify investments constitutes negligence. Our Arizona securities lawyers can evaluate your claim to determine broker liability and pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration or litigation.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty by Investment Advisors

Investment advisors owe fiduciary duties to clients, meaning they must prioritize client interests. Violating fiduciary duties can lead to significant investor losses. Our experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. understand fiduciary responsibilities and can assist investors in claims against advisors who breach their duties.

Inadequate Supervision by Brokerage Firms

Brokerage firms must adequately supervise brokers and advisors under FINRA Rule 3110. If inadequate supervision enables fraud or misconduct, firms may be liable for losses. Our attorneys can investigate supervisory failures and pursue claims against responsible firms to recover your losses.

Churning (Excessive Trading)

Churning occurs when brokers excessively trade securities solely to generate commissions, violating FINRA Rule 2111. If excessive trading has harmed you, our Arizona investment fraud lawyers can review trading records, establish broker misconduct, and seek financial compensation.

Unsuitable Investment Recommendations

Brokers must recommend suitable investments based on your financial needs, objectives, and risk tolerance, as outlined in FINRA Rule 2111. Unsuitable recommendations causing financial losses can lead to legal claims. Our attorneys can assist in pursuing suitability claims to recover your losses.

High-Yield Investment Programs (HYIPs)

HYIPs promise extremely high returns with minimal risk and are typically Ponzi schemes. Arizona investors targeted by HYIPs may have claims under Arizona’s anti-fraud statutes. Our attorneys can assist in uncovering these schemes and seeking restitution.

Microcap Stock Manipulation

Microcap fraud involves misleading promotions of low-priced stocks to artificially inflate prices. Victims often face severe financial harm when stock prices collapse. Our securities attorneys can help uncover fraud and pursue compensation under federal and Arizona securities laws.

Broker Embezzlement

Brokers who embezzle client funds commit securities fraud and criminal offenses. Victims may not realize losses immediately, but our Arizona securities fraud attorneys can investigate embezzlement, document misconduct, and aggressively pursue compensation.

Common Securities Violations Handled Include:

  • Unauthorized Trading
  • Misrepresentation and Omissions
  • Fraudulent Account Statements
  • Margin Abuse

Statute of Limitations in Arizona

Under Arizona law (ARS §44-2004), securities fraud claims must generally be filed within two years of discovering the violation or five years from the violation’s date, whichever is earlier.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A.?

Aggressive Pursuit of Recovery: We relentlessly pursue maximum compensation for our clients to help recover losses sustained from securities fraud.

Extensive Arizona Securities Law Experience: Our attorneys are deeply knowledgeable of Arizona securities regulations and consistently update their expertise.

Personalized Legal Strategies: Each investor’s situation is unique, and our lawyers are dedicated to creating customized recovery strategies.

What Can a Securities Fraud Lawyer Do for You?

investment fraud lawyers

A securities 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 our Phoenix office at 800-732-2889.

Client Testimonials

What Sets Our Law Firm Apart: A History of Success

When judging law firms by their results, our track record speaks volumes. For over 45 years, we’ve successfully gone head-to-head with major financial institutions to reclaim millions for investors nationwide, including those in Arizona. Our experience handling complex, high-stakes arbitrations and federal court proceedings helps Arizona residents recover from investment fraud, broker misconduct, and unsuitable recommendations. Here are a few examples that showcase our track record:

1) FINRA Arbitration Award $573,200

Case No. 91-02022

Cheri Brown v American Capital

This case demonstrates our ability to help Arizona investors facing penny stock fraud and unregistered securities violations. The arbitrators found numerous sales practice violations when securities were offered through misrepresentations and omissions in a manipulated market. Despite the broker-dealer’s defense, we secured this substantial award, showing how we protect investors from sophisticated securities fraud schemes.

2) Pre-Suit Settlement $565,342

Arizona investors facing similar fraudulent annuity sales can take confidence from this result. When an elderly investor with diminished capacity was sold unsuitable equity indexed annuities, we negotiated the complete repurchase of all annuities for full value without filing a lawsuit. This case demonstrates our ability to protect vulnerable Arizona seniors from financial exploitation through swift action.

3) FINRA Arbitration Settlement $685,000

Like many Arizona investors who’ve encountered unsuitable oil and gas limited partnerships, this group of investors faced a broker-dealer who failed to perform due diligence. When the firm tried to dismiss under FINRA’s 6-year eligibility rule, we crafted a class action strategy that led to this significant settlement in 2016. Arizona residents facing similar time-bar defenses benefit from our creative legal strategies.

Contact Our Arizona investment and Stockbroker Fraud Lawyers Today to See if We Can Help Recover Your Losses

The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Arizona investment fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce specializes in getting individuals their money back from bad investments using any and all available methods.

Since 1980, we have been devoted to helping Arizona investors and have successfully recovered over $175 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf in the last 20 years when we started counting. View client testimonials here.

If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or call our Phoenix phone number at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice!

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as investment fraud in Arizona?

Investment fraud includes misrepresentation of risks, unauthorized trading, unsuitable investment recommendations, or schemes like Ponzi and affinity fraud. If your broker violated their duty to act in your best interest, you may have a claim under the Arizona Securities Act or federal law.

How much does it cost to hire your law firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.

Can I still recover my losses if I signed a disclosure or arbitration agreement?

Yes. Signing a disclosure or arbitration agreement doesn’t waive your right to hold your broker accountable for fraud or negligence. Most investor claims are resolved through FINRA arbitration, which we handle regularly.

What should I do if I suspect my broker misled me?

Gather all communications and account records, then speak with a securities fraud attorney. Our Arizona investment fraud lawyers can review your case and determine if misconduct occurred and what recovery options are available.

How long do I have to file an investment fraud claim in Arizona?

Under ARS §44-2004, you generally have two years from discovering the fraud and no more than five years from the violation date. Acting quickly improves your chances of a successful recovery.

[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]