Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
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 Minnesota-based investor.
For over 45 years we have encountered hundreds of victims of investment fraud. 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.
What Exactly is Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud?
Investment fraud, often synonymous with securities fraud, involves deceptive practices to manipulate investors into making decisions that result in significant financial losses. Fraudsters may use false or misleading information, unauthorized trading, churning, Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, or sell unregistered securities. This unlawful activity is subject to legal penalties.
In the first quarter of 2023, the FTC reported nearly 50,000 cases of investor fraud, amounting to approximately $1.9 billion in losses. Brokers, broker-dealers, and investment advisors sometimes promote complex investment options to earn high commissions without considering clients’ risk tolerance. These tactics can obscure excessive trading and risks in accounts.
An example scenario involves a broker persuading an investor to put a large portion of their retirement savings into a high-risk, illiquid investment by downplaying risks and misrepresenting potential returns. This leads to significant losses for the investor.
Many brokers and financial advisors fail to prioritize their clients’ interests, providing misleading information, hiding risks, engaging in excessive trading to earn commissions, or imposing hidden fees, resulting in overcharging and financial harm to investors.
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.
Minnesota and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Minnesota investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Minnesota Securities Act: The cornerstone of Minnesota 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.
- Minnesota Business Corporation Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Minnesota Deceptive Trade Practices Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Minnesota Dept. of Commerce: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Minnesota securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Minnesota Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Minnesota 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
- Minnesota State Securities Board: https://mn.gov/commerce/licensing/list/securities/index.jsp
- Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Consumer/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Minnesota Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You
Indeed, experiencing losses is an inherent aspect of investing, but brokers who engage in fraudulent activities can be held accountable under the law. If you suspect that you’ve fallen prey to investment fraud, reaching out to a lawyer specialized in investment fraud cases is crucial. Additionally, notifying regulatory organizations such as the SEC or FINRA may be necessary to address potential issues like 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.
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.
Can I Recover my Investment Losses?
In order to recover your investment losses in Minnesota, you must document your case and prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated statutes, rules, and regulations and breached their fiduciary duty 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.
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients
In the last 20 years alone, Robert Pearce has recovered over $175 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 45 year career and in the last 20 years alone recovered over $175 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?
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 Are the MN Statute of Limitations?
In investment fraud cases, acting swiftly is crucial due to the statutes of limitations imposed by both Minnesota and federal law, which establish the deadlines for submitting legal claims. In Minnesota, the timeframe for filing fraud claims is usually six years from the discovery of the fraud. On the federal level, the deadline for securities fraud claims is often five years from the violation date or two years from when the fraud could reasonably have been discovered. Consulting an attorney promptly is vital to ensure your claim is filed within the required time limits.
Types of Investment and Securities Fraud Cases We Can Help Represent You With
Investment fraud in Minnesota encompasses various deceptive tactics by unscrupulous brokers and advisors. Common types include unsuitable investments that don’t align with investor needs and forced liquidation without proper client notification.
Ponzi schemes promise high returns fraudulently, while excessive trading generates commissions at the client’s expense. Misrepresentation and omission involve deceptive information about investments.
Breach of fiduciary duty occurs when advisors prioritize their interests over clients’. Unauthorized trading, failure to supervise, and overconcentration of investments heighten risks.
Theft, mutual fund sales violations, excessive markups, and selling unapproved investments are prevalent. Cryptocurrency fraud and EB-5 program scams are also notable concerns, along with many other schemes not listed here.
Contact a Minnesota Stockbroker and Investment Fraud Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Minnesota 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 call our Minneapolis office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Minnesota securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm serves clients throughout Minnesota:
- Minneapolis
- St. Paul
- Rochester
- Bloomington
- Duluth
- Brooklyn Park
- Plymouth
- Maple Grove
- Woodbury
- St. Cloud
- Eagan
- Eden Prairie
- Coon Rapids
- Burnsville
- Blaine
- Lakeville
- Minnetonka
- Apple Valley
- Edina
- St. Louis Park
[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]