Maryland investment fraud attorney Robert Wayne Pearce at the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce P.A., has extensive experience representing investors and organizations in securities arbitrations through FINRA in the State of Maryland.

Have you fallen victim to investment fraud? Are you looking for an experienced attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve?

You need an investment fraud lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your rights as a Maryland-based investor.

We understand the frustration and stress that comes with being a victim of investment fraud, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process and hold those responsible accountable.

Since 1980, we have been devoted to helping investors and have successfully recovered over $170 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf. View client testimonials here. We have experience handling all types of securities fraud cases and utilize all available legal avenues from the federal level to Maryland law as it applies to investment fraud cases. Don’t let investment fraud ruin your financial future – contact the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. today via our quick-response form, or call (800) 732-2889.

Definition of 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.

All forms of investment fraud aim to deceive investors into taking actions that benefit the perpetrator financially. This may include schemes like Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, or the sale of unregistered securities. Securities fraud is an illegal or unethical activity punishable by law.

“Did you know that in the first quarter of 2023, The FTC has reported nearly 50,000 individual cases of investor fraud with an estimated $1.9 Billion in total losses?”

Brokers, broker-dealers, and investment advisors frequently market innovative and unconventional investment options to secure high commissions and profits, without considering if their clients can sustain possible losses. Often, these sophisticated investment solutions and approaches are appropriate for only a select group of investors ready to embrace substantial risks, and may be utilized to mask excessive trading and risk exposure in accounts.

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.

Investment Losses? We Can Help

Discuss your legal options with an attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.

Get A Free Consultation

or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.

Robert Pearce

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

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.

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 at 800-732-2889. 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.

As an investor, you have certain rights that must be respected and protected.

We’re currently investigating several financial firms and stockbrokers who may have been the subject of customer complaints, may be facing legal action, and who may have acted unethically and committed fraud in Maryland, including:

Click Here to see more

Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include: 

FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $7,840,000

This FINRA arbitration involved a complex options trading strategy in the oil and gas sector for a Brazilian holding company against one of the largest Midwest broker-dealers in United States and resolved through mediation on the eve of trial in 2010.

FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $6,000,000

In a FINRA arbitration case against a prominent U.S. broker-dealer and its offshore subsidiary, the crux of the matter was the overconcentration of client accounts in Puerto Rico municipal bonds and closed-end funds, paired with recommendations to maintain these investments despite the firms’ awareness of dangerous market conditions. The dispute was resolved halfway through the arbitration process in 2017 with a $6 million settlement, notwithstanding the broker-dealers’ assertions that the clients’ accounts had yielded millions in profits over an extended period.

FINRA ARBITRATION AWARD $5,887,498

Case No. 17-02354

Jose E. Blanco Garrido, et al. v. UBS Financial Services Inc. of PR, et al.

In a FINRA arbitration case against UBS Financial Services, Inc. and its Puerto Rican subsidiary, the issue centered on the excessive concentration of the Blanco family’s investments in Puerto Rico municipal bonds and closed-end bond funds. The arbitration panel awarded the Blanco family nearly all of their claimed losses, along with over $1.5 million in prejudgment interest and $170,000 to cover all litigation expenses. This decision came as a result of the advisors’ unsuitable recommendation to maintain their holdings in Puerto Rican securities during the risky market conditions of fall 2012. The favorable award for the Blanco family was issued after 40 hearing sessions in 2019.

Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $170 Million On Behalf of His Clients

In the last 20 years alone, Robert Pearce has recovered over $170 million for his investor clients. In fact, he has recovered funds for over 99% of his investor clients through various avenues of recovery, including settlements, arbitrations, and court litigation. 

No investment fraud firm can ever guarantee the same or similar results in any given case. However, when you hire the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., you can sleep well knowing you are in qualified and capable hands. Attorney Robert Pearce has represented hundreds of investors over his 40 year career and in the last 20 years alone recovered over $170 million for his investor clients.

Robert Pearce will fight for your rights day in and day out to get you the recovery you are entitled to.

What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?

What Can an Investment Fraud Lawyer Do for Investors?

investment fraud lawyers

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.

Investment Losses? Let’s talk.

or, give us a ring at 800-732-2889.

Client Testimonials

Good
Based on 40 reviews
Barbara Lowe
Barbara Lowe
2021-08-22
I greatly appreciate the introduction to Bob Pearce. Exceptional in all respects, his experience and expertise along with Bob’s genuine goal to succeed on my behalf was extraordinary. If there was a scale from one to ten… he would no doubt rate a TEN from me. Extremely satisfied and highly recommend! Sincerest regards. BL
Franklyn Clarke
Franklyn Clarke
2021-06-11
If you are looking for an attorney who is not intimidated by the big name firms, I highly recommend Robert W Pearce. From start to finish, he and his team took control of the case and only got me involved when absolutely necessary. The frivolous complaints were removed from my file.
Kathi Carlson
Kathi Carlson
2021-04-28
Robert Pearce has vast knowledge and experience in this specialized field of law. I highly recommend this true professional!
Mi Di
Mi Di
2021-04-14
Mr. Pearce efficiently and professionally solved my registration issues with the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.

What is the Cost to Hire a Securities Attorney?

An initial consultation with a securities attorney is typically free. During this consultation, the lawyer will review your case and give you an estimate of the legal fees. If you decide to move forward with the case, you will typically be asked to sign a contingency fee agreement.

A contingency fee agreement means that you will only have to pay the lawyer if he or she is successful in recovering money on your behalf. If the lawyer is not successful, you will not owe any legal fees.

What Are the Statute of Limitations?

Acting quickly is crucial in cases of investment fraud due to the statutes of limitations imposed by both Maryland and federal laws, which dictate the time frames for initiating legal actions. 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.

Types of Investment and Securities Fraud Cases We Can Help Represent You With

There are a variety of investment fraud tactics that unscrupulous brokers and advisors may use.

Our firm has represented investors who have fallen victim to a wide range of investment fraud tactics, including:

  • Unsuitable Investments: Recommendations not aligned with the investor’s needs.
  • Forced liquidation (forced selling): Broker sold without warning client or advising on margin calls.
  • Ponzi Scheme Fraud: Fraudulent investment operation promising high returns.
  • Excessive Trading (Churning): Excessive transactions to generate advisor commissions.
  • Misrepresentation & Omission: Deceptive or misleading information about investments.
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Prioritizing advisor interests over the client’s best interests.
  • Unauthorized Trading: Executing trades without client permission.
  • Failure to Supervise: Brokerage firms not adequately monitoring advisors.
  • Overconcentration or lack of diversification: Holding too much of a single investment, increasing risk.
  • Theft or Misappropriation of client funds: Brokers stealing money for their own personal use.
  • Mutual Fund Sales Violations: Recommending unsuitable mutual funds or excessive switching.
  • Excessive Markups/Markdowns: Inflated prices when buying/selling securities.
  • Selling Away: The advisor sells unapproved investments outside the firm.
  • Broker & Advisor Negligence: Failure to adhere to industry standards.
  • Margin Abuse: Encouraging excessive margin use, leading to high risks.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Prioritizing advisor/firm profits over client interests.
  • Private Placements: Selling risky, non-registered securities.
  • Cryptocurrency Fraud: Deceitful schemes related to digital currencies.
  • 401(k) Plan Misconduct: Fiduciary breaches affecting retirement plans.
  • Microcap Fraud: Manipulation of stocks of small companies.
  • Mining and Mineral Investment Fraud: Schemes involving fictitious investments in mining or minerals.
  • EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Fraud: Scams related to obtaining visas through investment.
  • Advance Fee Schemes: Asking for upfront fees in exchange for non-existent investments.
  • Including many more that we can’t fit on this list

Contact a Maryland Securities and Investment Fraud Attorney 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 by phone at 561-338-0037 for a free confidential consultation with a Maryland securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.

Our law firm works with clients in Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Frederick, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg, Severn, and throughout the state of Maryland. Robert Wayne Pearce has decades of first-hand experience in FINRA securities arbitration, and is one of the preeminent experts in this matter both nationwide and internationally.