Delaware investment fraud and securities 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 Delaware.
Have you fallen victim to investment fraud? Are you looking for an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve?
You need an investment fraud lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your rights as a Delaware-based investor.
We recognize the distress and strain of falling victim to investment fraud and are dedicated to guiding you through the legal procedures to ensure those accountable are held responsible.
Since 1980, we have been devoted to helping investors and have successfully recovered over $170 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 Delaware 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
The term investment fraud is often used synonymously with securities fraud, encompassing the use of deceptive tactics such as spreading false or misleading information to sway investors’ decisions, leading to significant financial losses. Unscrupulous brokers might go so far as to directly steal 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 advisors sometimes market new and complex investment products to generate high commissions and profits, without fully considering if their clients can manage the possible losses. These sophisticated investment options and tactics, appropriate only for a minority of investors ready to embrace substantial risks, are occasionally employed to conceal excessive trading and risk in accounts.
Example Scenario: A broker convinces an investor to allocate a substantial part of their retirement funds to a high-risk, non-liquid investment, understating the potential dangers, overstating the possible gains, and urging a rapid decision. Eventually, the investment does not succeed, resulting in considerable financial 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.
or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.
Delaware and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Delaware investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- The Delaware Securities Act: The cornerstone of Delaware 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 Delaware General Corporation Law: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- The Delaware Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Delaware State Securities Board: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Delaware securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Delaware Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Delaware 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
- Delaware State Securities Board: https://firststeps.delaware.gov/securities_investment/
- Office of the Delaware Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cmu/complaint/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- The SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Delaware 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.
The quicker you take action, the better your odds of securing compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we’ve successfully assisted numerous investors in reclaiming losses from investment fraud. Our comprehensive investigation into your case will reveal any deceit or fraud, and we are committed to pursuing justice and the 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?
To reclaim any losses from your investments, you need to demonstrate that your broker-dealer or financial advisor failed in their duty of care owed to you as an investor.
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 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 Delaware, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/stephanie-trentowski-mml-investors-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-woodward-pnc-investments/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kristopher-gilliam-j-p-morgan-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-unger-mml-investors-services-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-raper-jr-wealthforge-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/stanley-minka-mml-investors-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/garrett-mayhart-mml-investors-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/legal-blog/david-barnes-of-ubs-financial-services-investor-complaints/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kenneth-klein-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gary-cecchett-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/thomas-shumosic-kestra-advisory-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jeffrey-paytas-fidelity-brokerage-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/scott-mahoney-mutual-omaha-investor-services-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gabriel-block-first-standard-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/wayne-wagner-securities-america/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jordan-berlin-wilmington-capital-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/matthew-courchesne-wilmington-capital-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/brandon-singer-osaic-wealth/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-persinski-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith-incorporated/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/devin-patel-sanford-c-bernstein-co-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/chad-reyes-northwestern-mutual-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/donna-seymour-centaurus-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/andrew-miles-green-vista-capital-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/travis-damon-j-p-morgan-securities-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gary-costello-aegis-capital-corp/
Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include:
FINRA ARBITRATION AWARD $5,887,498
Case No. 17-02354
Jose E. Blanco Garrido, et al. v. UBS Financial Services Inc. of PR, et al.
This FINRA arbitration case against UBS Financial Services, Inc. and its Puerto Rico branch centered on the excessive concentration of the Blanco family’s investments in Puerto Rican municipal bonds and closed-end bond funds. The arbitration panel awarded the Blanco family nearly all of their claimed losses, in addition to over $1.5 million in prejudgment interest and $170,000 to cover all litigation expenses. This award was based on the arbitrators finding that the recommendation to maintain their holdings in Puerto Rico securities in the fall of 2012 was unsuitable given the risky market conditions at the time. The favorable decision for the Blanco family came after 40 hearing sessions in 2019.
FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $5,000,000
In this FINRA Arbitration, investors argued that their financial advisor, affiliated with a major investment bank, misrepresented and did not fully disclose the risks associated with a highly leveraged credit spread strategy. Moreover, they claimed the advisor inappropriately concentrated all their assets in this unsuitable investment approach. As a result, their account was overextended and faced significant risk in March 2020, leading to forced liquidations of securities at greatly reduced prices to satisfy margin calls. The dispute was resolved through a settlement before the arbitration hearing, which was scheduled for September 2023.
FEDERAL COURT CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT $4,300,000
Case No. 14-001695-CI
State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation v. Tri-Med Corp., et al.
Mr. Pearce, serving as co-counsel alongside the Receiver, represented investors in a class action lawsuit targeting accounting and legal professionals accused of assisting a Ponzi scheme. The case was transferred from state to Federal court and, after enduring several years of legal proceedings, it was settled in 2017. The resolution came through mediation, resulting in the law and accounting firms paying over $4.3 million to the receivership, benefiting the investors.
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $170 Million On Behalf of His Clients?
Over the past two decades, Robert Pearce has secured more than $170 million in recovery for his investor clients. Remarkably, he has successfully recovered funds for more than 99% of his investor clients using diverse methods such as settlements, arbitrations, and court litigations.
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?
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
What is the Cost to Hire a Securities Attorney?
An initial consultation with a securities attorney is typically free. During this consultation, the lawyer will review your case and give you an estimate of the legal fees. If you decide to move forward with the case, you will typically be asked to sign a contingency fee agreement.
A contingency fee agreement means that you will only have to pay the lawyer if he or she is successful in recovering money on your behalf. If the lawyer is not successful, you will not owe any legal fees.
What Are the Statute of Limitations?
Time is of the essence when it comes to investment fraud cases. Both Delaware and federal laws have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing legal claims. In Delaware, the statute of limitations for fraud is generally three years. 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. 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 a Delaware 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. Delaware 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 a Delaware securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm works with clients in Wilmington. Dover, Newark, Middletown, Bear, Glasgow. Brookside, Milford, Smyrna, Hockessin, and throughout the state of Delaware. 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.