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  • AV award to investor fraud lawyer Bob Pearce
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Member Bob Pearce, Esq

The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. in Maryland have extensive experience representing investors and organizations in securities arbitrations through FINRA arbitration, securities litigation, and settlement negotiations in the State. Attorney Pearce and his experienced team of investment and securities fraud lawyers will evaluate each situation aggressively, identifying the strongest path to reclaim your financial security. We’ve helped hundreds of investors like you hold negligent brokers accountable and rebuild their futures.

We know how overwhelming it feels to watch your savings disappear at the hands of someone you trusted, and we are here to fight for you.

What is Investment Fraud and Securities Fraud

Investment fraud, often referred to synonymously with securities fraud, encompasses the use of deceitful tactics, such as providing inaccurate or misleading details, to sway investors into making decisions that lead to significant financial detriment. Unscrupulous brokers might go as far as directly misappropriating investors’ funds or securities.

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.

Upon initially engaging your broker-dealer, you probably expected them to prioritize your best interests. However, it’s disheartening that numerous brokers and financial advisors fall short of their fiduciary obligations or engage in clear cases of securities fraud. They may provide misleading information about investments, hide associated risks, partake in excessive trading (also known as churning) to rack up commissions, or impose undisclosed fees, resulting in overcharging.

Maryland and Federal Laws That Protect Investors

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

  • Key Laws and Regulations

    • Maryland Securities Act: The cornerstone of Maryland 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.

    • Maryland General Corporation Law: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.

    • Maryland Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.

  • Governing Agencies

    • Maryland Division of Sceurites: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Maryland securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.

    • Office of the Maryland Attorney General (Securities Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Maryland 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

Maryland Securities Laws

The Maryland Securities Act, in Title 11 of the Corporations and Associations Article, is the state’s main securities law. Section 11-301 prohibits schemes to defraud, untrue statements of material fact, and omissions that make a statement misleading. Sections 11-401 and 11-501 generally require broker-dealers, agents, and securities to be registered.

The Act is part of what are commonly called blue sky laws. These laws give state regulators authority over securities activity and misconduct within the state.

The Securities Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office enforces the Act and its rules in COMAR Title 02, Subtitle 02. For investment advisers, COMAR 02.02.05.03 bars unsuitable recommendations, trades made without client authority, excessive trading, and unreasonable fees.

How our Maryland 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.

Moving quickly increases your likelihood of securing compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we’ve successfully assisted numerous investors in reclaiming their losses stemming from investment fraud. Our comprehensive investigation into your case will aim to reveal any instances of misrepresentation or fraud. We’re committed to advocating for your rights, striving to achieve both justice and the rightful compensation you’re owed.

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?

You must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated securities statutes, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or were negligent in order to recover your investment losses.

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?

investment fraud lawyersAn 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.

Maryland Statute of Limitations

In Maryland, the legal deadline to file a fraud claim is usually one year from the discovery of the fraud, but cannot exceed three years. On the federal level, the timeframe for filing securities fraud cases is generally five years from the occurrence of the violation or two years from when the fraud could reasonably have been identified. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to make sure your claim is submitted within these specified limits.

Contact our Maryland 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. Maryland 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 Baltimore office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Maryland securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.

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