Pennsylvania investment fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represent investors who lost money due to broker misconduct, unsuitable investments, and securities fraud.
Investment fraud devastates hardworking people who trusted their brokers with their financial future. We understand the shock and betrayal you feel when your broker misrepresented risks, churned your account, or made investments that violated their fiduciary duty.
You’re not alone, and this isn’t your fault. Brokers and financial advisors must follow strict rules when handling your investments. When they violate these rules through negligence or greed, our securities attorneys help victims reclaim their financial security through FINRA claims and other legal remedies.
Call our Philadelphia line at (800) 732-2889 to discuss how we can help you recover your investment losses.
How a Pennsylvania Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You
If you’ve suffered financial losses due to investment fraud, our Pennsylvania investment fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can help you understand your rights and recover your losses. Below we discuss common types of securities violations and how our experienced lawyers can assist.
Misrepresentation and Omissions
Brokers must provide accurate and complete information about investments. Misrepresenting or omitting material facts violates Pennsylvania Securities Act (§1-401), empowering investors to seek compensation. Our investment fraud lawyers can investigate your case, identify misleading statements, and help recover your losses.
Churning (Excessive Trading)
Excessive trading or “churning” occurs when brokers execute unnecessary transactions primarily to generate commissions. This practice violates federal securities laws, including SEC Rule 15c1-7. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. are skilled at identifying signs of churning, analyzing trading records, and holding responsible parties accountable.
Unauthorized Trading
When brokers buy or sell securities without authorization, they breach fiduciary duties under Pennsylvania Securities Act (§1-402). If you’ve experienced unauthorized transactions, our lawyers can help by thoroughly investigating your case and initiating legal action to recover your investments.
Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Schemes
Ponzi schemes involve using funds from new investors to pay earlier investors, violating both federal and state laws, including Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL). Our investment fraud attorneys have extensive experience uncovering fraudulent schemes and aggressively pursuing compensation for victims.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Brokers and financial advisors must act in their clients’ best interests. Violations constitute breaches under Pennsylvania Associations Code (§1712). The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. attorneys can identify breaches of fiduciary duty and seek financial recovery on your behalf.
Failure to Diversify Investments
Failure to properly diversify investment portfolios exposes investors to unnecessary risks, violating the fiduciary duties outlined in Pennsylvania securities regulations. Our skilled attorneys can evaluate your portfolio, determine whether negligence occurred, and pursue claims to recover your losses.
Negligence and Overconcentration
Brokers who negligently recommend high-risk investments violate regulatory standards set by FINRA. Our investment fraud attorneys understand these complexities and can advocate for you by holding brokers accountable and recovering your lost investments.
Other Common Securities Violations
- Insider Trading
- Market Manipulation
- Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
- Failure to Supervise Brokers
Pennsylvania and Federal Investor Protection Resources
Key regulatory agencies that enforce investor protections include:
- Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities
- Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Statute of Limitations for Investment Fraud in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, investors typically have one year from the discovery of fraud (and no more than five years after the fraudulent act) to file claims. Federally, claims must usually be filed within two years of discovery or five years after the fraud occurred.
How Our Investment Fraud Attorneys Advocate for Investors
If you suspect fraud, contacting the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can significantly improve your chances of recovering financial losses. Our investment fraud lawyers can:
- Provide expert representation and legal guidance
- Investigate financial records and uncover evidence of fraud
- Identify responsible parties and file regulatory complaints or lawsuits
- Negotiate aggressively or litigate to obtain maximum financial recovery
Can I Recover my Investment Losses?
In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated the Pennsylvania Securities Act, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or was negligent in advising you and/or managing 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 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.
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.
Contact our Pennsylvania Securities and Investment Fraud Attorneys Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Pennsylvania securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm serves clients throughout Pennsylvania:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as investment fraud under Pennsylvania law?
Investment fraud includes actions like misrepresentation of risks, unauthorized trades, churning, unsuitable investment recommendations, and breach of fiduciary duty. If your broker violated the Pennsylvania Securities Act (§1-401) or FINRA rules, you may be entitled to compensation.
How much does it cost to hire your law firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront—we only collect fees if we recover money for you. Consultations are always free and confidential.
Can I still take legal action if I signed a risk disclosure or arbitration agreement?
Yes. Even if you signed a disclosure, brokers must still act in your best interest. If they misled you or acted negligently, you may still have a strong case through FINRA arbitration or litigation.
What is the statute of limitations for investment fraud in Pennsylvania?
You typically have one year from discovering the fraud—or no more than five years from when it occurred—to file a claim under Pennsylvania law. Federal securities laws allow up to two years from discovery or five years from the violation. Acting quickly is critical.
What does the FINRA arbitration process involve?
FINRA arbitration is a faster, cost-effective alternative to court. It’s where most broker misconduct cases are resolved. Our attorneys handle the process from start to finish—including filing the claim, presenting evidence, and pursuing the maximum possible recovery.
[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]