The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represents investors throughout Minnesota who have suffered losses due to stockbroker fraud and brokerage firm misconduct.
Investment fraud occurs when your broker violates their fiduciary duty through misrepresentation, unauthorized trading, or recommending unsuitable investments that don’t match your financial goals. You trusted your financial advisor to protect your interests, but they prioritized their commissions over your financial security.
Our securities attorneys understand the betrayal you feel, and we know this isn’t your fault.
We handle complex FINRA claims involving churning, breach of fiduciary duty, and other forms of investment misconduct that devastate retirement accounts and life savings. Victims often believe they have no recourse, but our attorneys prove otherwise every day.
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face this alone. Our Minnesota securities attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How a Minnesota Investment Fraud Attorney Can Help You
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to investment fraud, the Minnesota investment and stockbroker fraud attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., can assist by evaluating your case, pursuing recovery, and protecting your legal rights.
Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
Brokers must recommend investments that match your financial goals and risk tolerance. Under the Minnesota Securities Act (Minn. Stat. § 80A.68), unsuitable recommendations violate fiduciary duties. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. can analyze your investment history and potentially help recover losses from unsuitable investments.
Misrepresentation and Omission of Material Facts
Brokers sometimes hide risks or provide false investment information. Under the Minnesota Deceptive Trade Practices Act (Minn. Stat. § 325D.44), investors can seek relief for deceptive or misleading representations. Our lawyers have extensive experience uncovering hidden details in investment transactions, helping you seek recovery for losses.
Unauthorized Trading and Excessive Trading (Churning)
Engaging in trades without your consent or excessively trading your account violates both Minnesota law and FINRA rules. Excessive trading, also known as churning, primarily benefits brokers through commissions at your expense. Attorneys at our firm can identify unauthorized or excessive trading patterns and advocate for compensation.
Ponzi Schemes and Pyramid Schemes
Ponzi schemes promise high returns but rely on new investors’ money to pay earlier investors, ultimately collapsing. Such schemes violate Minnesota statutes related to securities fraud (Minn. Stat. § 609.52). Our investment fraud attorneys can evaluate your exposure to Ponzi schemes and pursue legal action to recover losses.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Financial advisors must prioritize your interests. A breach of fiduciary duty occurs when advisors prioritize their commissions or interests over your financial wellbeing, violating both common law and Minnesota statutory requirements. Our attorneys can examine potential breaches and seek restitution on your behalf.
Overconcentration and Failure to Diversify
Overconcentration of your investments in a single sector, stock, or security increases your financial risk. Under Minnesota law and FINRA regulations, brokers have a duty to maintain appropriate diversification. Our investment fraud attorneys can determine whether overconcentration contributed to your losses and help you pursue appropriate claims.
Failure to Supervise by Brokerage Firms
Brokerage firms must supervise their employees diligently. Under FINRA Rule 3110 and Minnesota securities regulations, firms that fail to supervise brokers adequately can be held liable. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. regularly handle cases involving supervisory failures and can assist in holding firms accountable.
Other Common Investment Fraud Violations
Our Minnesota attorneys also handle additional cases involving:
- Mutual fund sales violations
- Cryptocurrency and digital asset fraud
- EB-5 investment scams
- Unregistered securities sales
- Market manipulation schemes
- Theft and embezzlement by financial professionals
- Excessive markups and hidden fees
Minnesota and Federal Statutes of Limitations for Investment Fraud
Minnesota law typically provides six years from discovery of fraud, while federal securities law generally allows five years from the violation or two years from discovery. Contacting our attorneys quickly can ensure your claim is filed timely.
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.
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 Minnesota Stockbroker and Investment Fraud Attorneys 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.
Client Testimonials
Our law firm serves clients throughout Minnesota:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my broker committed investment fraud in Minnesota?
If your broker made trades without your consent, misrepresented risks, or recommended investments that didn’t align with your goals, you may be a victim. Under the Minnesota Securities Act, such actions may entitle you to financial recovery.
What is the deadline to file an investment fraud claim in Minnesota?
Most claims must be filed within six years of discovering the fraud. Some federal claims may have shorter deadlines, so it’s important to consult an attorney promptly.
What does it cost to hire your firm?
We charge no upfront fees and only get paid if we recover money for you. Your initial consultation with our Minnesota investment fraud attorneys is free and confidential.
What types of investment losses are recoverable?
You may be able to recover lost funds, interest, and in some cases, attorney’s fees or punitive damages. The total recovery depends on the facts of your case and the broker’s misconduct.
How long does the recovery process take in FINRA arbitration?
Most FINRA arbitration claims are resolved within 12–18 months. Some cases settle sooner if there’s strong evidence or clear liability.
[Written by attorney Robert Wayne Pearce (Attorney Bio)]