Mississippi 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 Mississippi.
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 Mississippi-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 Mississippi 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
The term investment fraud is often used synonymously with securities fraud, referring to the employment of deceptive tactics, such as providing false or misleading information, to coerce investors into making decisions that lead to significant financial losses. Unscrupulous brokers might go as far as directly stealing funds or securities from investors.
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 advisers often sell new and exotic investment products to earn high commissions and profits, regardless of whether their clients are prepared to handle potential losses. These complex investment products and strategies, which are suitable only for a small portion of investors willing to take significant risks, are sometimes used to obscure excessive trading and risk within accounts.
Example Scenario: A broker convinces an investor to allocate a substantial part of their retirement funds into a high-risk, non-liquid investment. Minimizing the dangers and exaggerating the possible gains, the broker urges the investor to decide swiftly. Eventually, the investment does not succeed, resulting in considerable financial losses for the investor.
When you first hired your broker-dealer, it’s likely that you trusted them to put your best interests first. Unfortunately, many brokers and financial advisors don’t live up to their fiduciary duty or have committed outright securities fraud. They might mislead you about investments, conceal risks, engage in excessive trading (churning) to generate commissions, or overcharge you with hidden fees.
Investment Losses? We Can Help
Discuss your legal options with an attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A.
or, give us a ring at (800) 732-2889.
Mississippi and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Mississippi investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Mississippi Securities Act: The cornerstone of Mississippi 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.
- Mississippi Business Corporation Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Mississippi Regulation of Trade, Commerce and Investments:This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Mississippi State Securities Board: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Mississippi securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Mississippi Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Mississippi 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
- Mississippi Securities Division: https://www.sos.ms.gov/securities/mississippi-securities-laws
- Office of the Mississippi Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://attorneygenerallynnfitch.com/divisions/consumer-protection/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- The SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Mississippi Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You
While losses are a natural aspect of investing, brokers who engage in fraudulent practices may face legal accountability. If you suspect you’re a victim of investment fraud, reaching out to a seasoned investment fraud attorney is crucial. Furthermore, it may be necessary to inform regulatory agencies such as the SEC or FINRA about possible market manipulation or insider trading activities.
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’ve incurred financial losses because of a stockbroker’s or advisor’s negligence or fraud, the simplest method to determine if you have a viable case is to contact our office at 800-732-2889. Here’s how our adept and seasoned investment fraud law firm can represent your interests:
- 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?
In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor engaged in misconduct such as securities law violations, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or acted negligently.
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 Mississippi, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-bourne-edward-jones-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/claiborne-lagrone-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-humbarger-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-mcdonough-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/todd-barnthouse-smith-moore-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/terry-cutrer-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/tamber-proctor-securities-america/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/mitchell-griffin-concourse-financial-group-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-grantham-raymond-james-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/eugene-yelverton-of-lpl-financial-llc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/edwin-egger-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/crandall-craigen-pfs-investments/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jeremy-burrell-mwa-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/harry-hewes-cetera-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/steven-eaton-mwa-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-dowell-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/mansoor-kisat-ms-howells/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/christina-aldredge-ms-howells-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joshua-hardt-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/isabella-brunk-park-avenue-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/candido-viyella-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/monica-baldwin-raymond-james-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/sherry-tilson-benjamin-f-edwards-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/douglas-ellman-shearson-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/nicholas-alencewicz-fidelity-brokerage-services/
Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include:
FEDERAL COURT FINAL JUDGMENT $21,041,285
Case No. 1:10-cv-21444-KMM
College Health and Investment, Ltd. v Esther Spero
This Final Judgment was entered against the defendant for fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and civil theft pursuant to Sections 812.014 and 772.11, Florida statutes in 2010.
FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $8,214,596
In a FINRA Arbitration case our firm resolved, investors accused their financial advisor of misrepresenting and failing to fully disclose the risks associated with a highly leveraged credit spread strategy. Additionally, the clients claimed that the financial advisor, who was affiliated with a major investment bank, inappropriately invested all their assets in this unsuitable strategy. As a result, the account became overleveraged and susceptible to significant liquidations of securities at drastically reduced prices in March 2020 to satisfy margin calls. The dispute was settled before the arbitration hearing in January 2022.
FEDERAL COURT CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT $4,300,000
Case No. 14-001695-CI
State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation v. Tri-Med Corp., et al
Mr. Pearce, acting as co-counsel alongside the Receiver in a class action lawsuit, represented investors against accounting and legal professionals accused of aiding and abetting a Ponzi scheme. Following the case’s transfer from state to Federal court and several years of legal battles, the lawsuit concluded in 2017. It was settled through mediation, resulting in the law and accounting firms paying over $4.3 million to the receivership for the benefit of the investors.
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $170 Million On Behalf of His Clients
Over the past two decades, Robert Pearce has secured more than $170 million in recoveries for his investor clients. Remarkably, he has successfully retrieved funds for over 99% of his investor clients, utilizing diverse methods such as settlements, arbitrations, and court proceedings.
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?
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
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?
When dealing with investment fraud cases, acting quickly is crucial due to the statutes of limitations under both Mississippi and federal laws, which establish deadlines for submitting legal actions. In Mississippi, the time limit for filing a securities fraud claim aligns with the federal law, which is five years from the date the violation occurred or two years from when the fraud could reasonably have been identified. Consulting with a lawyer promptly is essential to make sure your claim is submitted within these specified periods.
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 Mississippi 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. Mississippi 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 Mississippi securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm serves clients across the state of Mississippi, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Meridian, Tupelo, Greenville, Olive Branch, and Horn Lake. Robert Wayne Pearce brings decades of direct experience in FINRA securities arbitration, positioning him as a leading authority on this subject both in the United States and globally.