Nevada 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 Nevada.
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 Nevada-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 Nevada 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 is a term sometimes used interchangeably with securities fraud, and it involves using deceptive practices, including false or misleading information, to manipulate investors into making investment decisions that result in substantial losses. Dishonest brokers may even resort to outright theft of investor’s funds or securities.
Every type of investment fraud is designed to trick investors into making decisions that financially benefit the fraudster. This includes engaging in schemes such as Misrepresentations and misleading statements, Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump operations, or selling unregistered securities. Securities fraud is a criminal activity that is both illegal and unethical, and it is subject to legal penalties.
“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: 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.
When you initially engaged your broker-dealer, you probably expected them to prioritize your best interests. Regrettably, numerous brokers and financial advisors fail to uphold their fiduciary duty, and some may even engage in outright securities fraud. They might deceive you regarding the nature of investments, hide associated risks, participate in excessive trading (known as churning) to earn commissions, or impose hidden fees that inflate your costs.
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.
Nevada and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Nevada investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Nevada Uniform Securities Act: The cornerstone of Nevada 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.
- Nevada Private Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Nevada Securities Division: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Nevada securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Nevada Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Nevada 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
- Nevada State Securities Board: https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/investor-information/securities-information
- Office of the Nevada Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://ag.nv.gov/About/Consumer_Protection/Bureau_of_Consumer_Protection/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Nevada Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You
While investment losses are sometimes an inevitable aspect of investing, brokers who commit fraud can be legally accountable for their actions. If you suspect that you have fallen prey to investment fraud, it is crucial to seek out an investment fraud attorney who is experienced in dealing with such cases. Additionally, it may be necessary to report the incident to regulatory authorities like the SEC or FINRA, who oversee market fairness and investigate issues like 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’ve incurred financial losses due to a stockbroker or advisor’s negligence or fraud, the simplest way to determine if you have a valid claim is to contact our office at 800-732-2889. Here’s how our seasoned and skilled 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 breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or acted negligently in the management of your account. Alternatively, you could prove breach of contract claim for failure to adhere to FINRA Conduct Rules.
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 Nevada, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-lagrange-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/megan-phillips-d-a-davidson/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/betty-fenton-us-bancorp-investments/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-petrizzo-independent-financial-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/lawrence-napolitano-independent-financial-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/steven-rose-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/alan-mann-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/john-rhoads-jr-united-planners/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/blake-mccoy-u-s-bancorp-investments/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-bratton-state-farm-vp-management-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-simon-western-international-securities-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/matthew-rigoli-citigroup-global-markets/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kevin-brennan-andrew-garrett-inc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jammie-avila-independent-financial-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/theodore-rich-d-a-davidson-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/robert-davenport-girard-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/robert-warren-hightower-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/reese-gneiting-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/patricia-fontan-sorlie-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/neil-fineman-first-allied-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-swinehart-ameriprise-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/kyle-kirwan-independent-financial-group/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-tartaglini-jp-morgan-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jonathan-mirer-ameriprise-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jon-erickson-morgan-stanley/
Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include:
FLORIDA STATE COURT SETTLEMENT $3,500,000
This $3.5 million settlement was in a state court action filed by Mr. Pearce on behalf of a trust for an elderly widow was against one of the largest corporate trustees in the country. The corporate trustee allegedly failed to diversify a concentrated portfolio in a single stock during the 2008-2009 financial market meltdown. The case was settled in 2010 for substantially all of the widow’s losses she was entitled within the short six-month statutory window for bringing a claim against trustees in Florida.
FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $3,350,000
This FINRA Arbitration involved investors who claimed their broker-dealer overconcentrated and overleveraged their accounts in Puerto Rico municipal bonds and further made unsuitable recommendations to “hold” those positions when it knew market conditions were perilous. The case settled on the eve of the arbitration hearing in 2018.
FINRA ARBITRATION AWARD $3,266,200
Case No. 90-01044
Jack Friedlander, et al. v. Margaretten Securities
This arbitration involved misrepresentations and unsuitable recommendations that Claimants invest in complex structured products consisting of stripped coupon mortgage-backed securities and pass through certificates. The Claimants were awarded punitive damages and attorney fees and expenses.
Did You Know . . . Investment Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $170 Million On Behalf of His Clients
Over the past 20 years, Robert Pearce has successfully recovered more than $170 million for his investor clients. Remarkably, he has secured recoveries for over 99% of his investor clients using various methods, such as settlements, arbitrations, and court litigations.
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?
Usually, the first meeting with a securities attorney is free. In this consultation, the attorney will assess your case and provide an estimate of the legal fees. If you choose to proceed, you will likely be asked to sign a contingency fee agreement. This agreement stipulates that you only pay the attorney if they successfully recover funds for you. If the attorney does not achieve a recovery, you owe no legal fees.
What Are the Statute of Limitations?
In investment fraud cases, acting promptly is crucial due to the statutes of limitations under both Nevada and federal laws, which determine the deadlines for filing legal claims. For fraud in Nevada, and for federal securities fraud, the statute of limitations is generally five years from the date of the violation, or two years from when the fraud should have been discovered. It’s vital to consult an attorney quickly to ensure your claim is submitted within these time 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 Nevada 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. Nevada 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 Nevada securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm serves clients across the state of Nevada, including in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Enterprise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Paradise, Sparks, and Carson City. Robert Wayne Pearce brings decades of direct experience in FINRA securities arbitration and is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on this subject, both in the U.S. and internationally.