Charleston Investment Fraud Attorney | Securities Lawyer Protecting Your Financial Future
Charleston investors face unique risks in today’s complex financial markets. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A. represents clients throughout the Holy City who have suffered investment losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, or securities fraud.
Our Charleston investment fraud attorneys pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration, SEC investigations, and civil litigation. We handle cases involving churning, unauthorized trading, Ponzi schemes, elder exploitation, and failure to supervise against major brokerage firms and independent advisors operating in South Carolina.
How Charleston Securities Attorneys Fight Investment Fraud
Securities fraud devastates retirement plans and destroys financial futures. Our firm investigates broker misconduct, analyzes trading patterns, and builds compelling cases using South Carolina securities laws and FINRA regulations to recover your losses.
Charleston’s growing retiree population makes it a prime target for investment scams. Brokers often push unsuitable products like variable annuities, structured notes, non-traded REITs, and high-commission private placements that violate FINRA’s suitability rules and South Carolina’s Uniform Securities Act.
Common Investment Fraud Cases We Handle in Charleston
Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
FINRA Rule 2111 requires brokers to recommend only suitable investments. Our attorneys prove violations when Charleston brokers ignore your risk tolerance, time horizon, or financial situation to sell high-commission products.
Churning and Excessive Trading
Commission-driven trading depletes your account through unnecessary transactions. We analyze turnover ratios and cost-equity ratios to demonstrate when brokers prioritize their profits over your financial wellbeing.
Misrepresentation and Omissions
South Carolina law holds brokers liable for false statements about investments. Our Charleston investment fraud lawyers pursue claims when advisors hide risks, exaggerate returns, or conceal conflicts of interest regarding complex products.
Unauthorized Trading
Brokers must obtain your permission before executing trades. We recover damages when Charleston advisors make unauthorized transactions or exceed the scope of discretionary authority in your account.
Elder Financial Exploitation
South Carolina’s Omnibus Adult Protection Act provides strong remedies for senior investors. Our firm works with Charleston families to recover assets misappropriated through undue influence or diminished capacity exploitation.
Ponzi Schemes and Investment Scams
Charleston investors lose millions annually to fraudulent schemes. We trace fund flows, coordinate with regulators, and pursue recovery against perpetrators and negligent brokerage firms that failed to supervise.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Investment advisors owe fiduciary duties to act in your best interest. Charleston securities attorneys at our firm hold advisors accountable when they place their interests ahead of yours through hidden fees or undisclosed conflicts.
Private Placement and Alternative Investment Fraud
Unregistered securities, hedge funds, and private equity often lack transparency. We investigate due diligence failures and pursue claims when Charleston brokers recommend unsuitable alternative investments.
Why Charleston Investors Choose Our Securities Law Firm
We understand Charleston’s investment landscape and South Carolina securities regulations. Our attorneys develop customized strategies based on your specific losses and the misconduct involved in your case.
Charleston investors trust us because we:
- Work primarily on contingency fees (you pay only if we recover)
- Maintain direct attorney-client communication throughout your case
- Apply forensic analysis to uncover hidden broker misconduct
- Leverage regulatory violations to strengthen damage claims
- Pursue maximum recovery through all available legal channels
South Carolina Securities Laws Protecting Charleston Investors
The South Carolina Uniform Securities Act provides powerful remedies for investment fraud victims. State law complements federal securities regulations and FINRA rules to create multiple recovery avenues.
Charleston investors benefit from statutory provisions allowing rescission, damages, attorney fees, and interest. Our securities fraud attorneys combine state and federal claims to maximize your potential recovery against negligent brokerage firms.
South Carolina courts recognize claims for:
- Securities fraud and misrepresentation
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Negligent supervision
- Violation of industry standards
- Elder abuse and exploitation
Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future
Time limits apply to investment fraud claims. South Carolina law generally requires filing within three years of discovery, while FINRA limits claims to six years from the transaction date.
Don’t let fraudulent brokers destroy your retirement dreams. Attorney Robert Wayne Pearce personally reviews every case to develop the strongest recovery strategy for Charleston investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of investment fraud are most common in Charleston?
Charleston investors frequently encounter unsuitable recommendations for variable annuities, structured products, and non-traded REITs. Elder exploitation schemes and Ponzi frauds also target retirees in our coastal community. Our attorneys investigate all forms of broker misconduct.
How long do I have to file an investment fraud claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina securities laws typically allow three years from discovery to file claims. FINRA arbitration rules limit claims to six years from the transaction. Contact our Charleston securities lawyers immediately to preserve your rights.
What damages can I recover in a Charleston investment fraud case?
Investors may recover actual losses, lost profits, interest, and sometimes attorney fees. South Carolina law allows rescission of fraudulent transactions. Our firm pursues all available damages through FINRA arbitration or court litigation.
How much does it cost to hire a Charleston investment fraud attorney?
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. typically works on contingency fees. You pay nothing upfront and owe fees only if we recover compensation. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case without obligation.
Can I sue my broker if I signed an arbitration agreement?
Most brokerage agreements require FINRA arbitration instead of court litigation. Our Charleston investment fraud lawyers have extensive arbitration experience and often achieve better results through this streamlined process. We handle all aspects of FINRA proceedings.
Contact Our Charleston Investment Fraud Lawyers Today
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. fights for investors throughout Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and the South Carolina Lowcountry. Schedule your free consultation to discuss how we can help recover your investment losses.
Call (800) 732-2889 or use our online contact form to speak with an experienced Charleston investment fraud attorney. We maintain strict confidentiality and charge no fees for initial case evaluations.