Massachusetts is home to more than 7 million residents, and roughly one in five is now 60 or older, making seniors a fast-growing share of the population. Its wealth and many retirees with substantial savings make older residents attractive targets for scams, elder financial abuse, and investor misconduct, prompting active enforcement by state securities regulators.
The investment and securities fraud legal team will provide a free consultation to determine and pursue the complaint. With extensive experience in handling the range of investment fraud cases in Massachusetts from broker negligence, churning, failure to supervise to other securities violations. The firm will bring disputes before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), state and federal courts, and other arbitration forums as appropriate.
Recovery is possible when you have experienced legal representation. Our attorneys understand the complex regulations that govern the securities industry and know how to prove your case. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
How a Massachusetts Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You
If you have been the victim of investment fraud, understanding your rights and the avenues for recovering losses is critical. The Massachusetts investment and stockbroker fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. provide strategic, experienced representation to protect and recover your investments.
Unsuitable Investments and Failure to Diversify
Investment advisors must recommend investments that align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment profile. Under the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act (Chapter 110A), failure to meet this obligation can lead to liability. Our investment fraud lawyers can evaluate your advisor’s recommendations and potentially recover losses resulting from unsuitable investments or failure to diversify your portfolio.
Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Schemes
Ponzi schemes promise high returns by fraudulently paying earlier investors with funds from new investors, violating federal securities laws and Massachusetts statutes such as Chapter 110A. Attorneys at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. possess extensive experience uncovering such schemes and pursuing aggressive recovery actions.
Excessive Trading (Churning)
Churning involves brokers excessively trading to generate commissions, harming investors’ accounts. It breaches fiduciary duties and violates regulations enforced by FINRA Rules. Our firm can analyze trading patterns and help seek compensation for losses due to excessive trading.
Misrepresentation and Omission of Facts
Misleading investors by failing to disclose critical information is prohibited under the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act and the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A). Our attorneys meticulously review investment documents to identify actionable misrepresentations and omissions.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Financial advisors and brokers must prioritize client interests above their own. Breaching fiduciary duties exposes them to liability under state and federal law. Lawyers at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. can assess your case and help hold negligent financial professionals accountable.
Unauthorized Trading and Margin Abuse
Trading without your consent or exploiting margin accounts can significantly harm your finances, violating FINRA regulations and Massachusetts securities statutes. Our attorneys can guide you through filing a FINRA arbitration claim, seeking recovery for unauthorized transactions and margin abuse.
Theft or Misappropriation of Funds
Theft or misuse of client funds is criminally prosecutable under Massachusetts law. Victims may also pursue civil recovery through arbitration or litigation. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. has experience successfully resolving these complex cases, often involving cooperation with state enforcement agencies.
Negligence and Failure to Supervise
Broker-dealers must adequately supervise advisors under FINRA Rule 3110. Negligent oversight can lead to substantial investor losses. Our lawyers can investigate supervisory lapses and seek compensation from responsible parties.
Cryptocurrency Fraud and Risky Private Placements
Emerging investment scams, including cryptocurrency fraud and misleading private placement offerings, are increasingly common. Massachusetts state law and SEC regulations provide remedies for victims. Our investment fraud attorneys can help navigate these claims to pursue meaningful recovery.
Mutual Fund Violations and Excessive Markups
Mutual fund fraud, such as undisclosed commissions and excessive markups, violates Massachusetts law and FINRA regulations. Attorneys at Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. have successfully handled cases involving complex mutual fund misconduct.
Other Common Securities Violations
- Microcap stock fraud
- EB-5 investment fraud
- Mining and mineral investment scams
- 401(k) misconduct
- Advance fee schemes
- Conflict of interest violations
Massachusetts Securities Laws
Massachusetts securities transactions are governed by the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act, M.G.L. c. 110A. Section 101 makes it illegal to defraud investors, make false statements about a material fact, leave out facts investors need to know, or otherwise deceive someone buying or selling a security. The Act also requires brokers, agents, and investment advisers to register before doing business in the state.
This law is part of what people call “blue sky laws.” These are state-level securities laws that give Massachusetts regulators the power to investigate and punish securities
misconduct happening within the state, separate from federal securities law.
The Massachusetts Securities Division, under the Secretary of the Commonwealth, enforces the Act and administers 950 CMR 10.00–14.00. These regulations prohibit dishonest or unethical practices, unsuitable investment recommendations, excessive trading, and failure to disclose conflicts of interest.
Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts Securities Fraud Cases
The statute of limitations in Massachusetts generally allows investors four years from discovery to file securities fraud claims under state law, while federal claims typically require filing within five years of the violation or two years from discovery. Prompt legal consultation is essential to protect your rights.
Useful Resources for Massachusetts Investors
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Massachusetts Securities Division
Massachusetts Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
How our Massachusetts Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You
While losses are inherent to the investment process, brokers engaging in fraudulent activities can be subject to legal accountability. Should you suspect that you’re a victim of investment fraud, reaching out to a lawyer specializing in such cases is crucial. Moreover, it may be necessary to inform regulatory authorities such as the SEC or FINRA about possible instances of 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. Here’s how our knowledgeable and experienced investment fraud law firm can advocate for you.
What Can an Investment Fraud Recovery 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 a Massachusetts Investment Fraud Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. Investment fraud and loss recovery lawyer 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 investors and have successfully recovered over $185 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf. View client testimonials here.
If you are a Massachusetts-based 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 at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Boston securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Client Testimonials
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Our law firm is of course fully licensed in Massachusetts and serves clients throughout the state and nationwide:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my financial advisor committed investment fraud in Massachusetts?
If your advisor misrepresented risks, made trades without your permission, or recommended investments that didn’t match your goals, you may have a valid claim. These actions may violate the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act and FINRA regulations.
What is the deadline to file an investment fraud claim in Massachusetts?
Under Massachusetts law, investors generally have four years from when they discovered the fraud to file a claim. For federal securities claims, the deadline is usually five years from the violation or two years from discovery.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a Massachusetts securities fraud case?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis—you pay no legal fees unless we recover money for you. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
Can I recover all of my investment losses through a FINRA arbitration?
You may recover lost principal, interest, attorney’s fees, and in some cases, punitive damages. The final amount depends on the nature of the fraud and the strength of the evidence.
How long does the recovery process usually take?
Most FINRA arbitration cases resolve within 12–18 months. Some cases settle earlier if liability is clear and well-documented.
[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]