For over 40 years we have been representing victims of investment loss and other securities fraud. Investment fraud attorney, Robert Pearce, truly understands 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 $175 million in settlements and verdicts on their behalf. View client testimonials here. New Jersey securities and investment loss attorney Robert Wayne Pearce has experience handling all types of securities fraud cases and utilize all available legal avenues from the federal level to New Jersey 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 our Newark office at (800) 732-2889.
Our law firm works with clients throughout the state:
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Paterson
- Elizabeth
- Lakewood
- Edison
- Woodbridge Township
- Toms River
- Hamilton Township
- Clifton
- Trenton
- Camden
- Brick Township
- Cherry Hill
- Passaic
- Union City
- Old Bridge Township
- Bayonne
- Vineland
- North Bergen
What is 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.
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 did so with the expectation that they would prioritize your best interests. Unfortunately, many brokers and financial advisors fail to meet their fiduciary duties, or they may engage in outright securities fraud. They could misrepresent investment opportunities, hide risks, participate in excessive trading (churning) to earn commissions, or levy 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.
Types of Investment Loss and Securities Fraud Cases We Can Help Represent You With
Investment fraud in New Jersey involves a range of deceptive practices by unethical brokers and advisors. Common tactics include unsuitable investments, where recommendations do not align with the investor’s needs, and forced liquidation, involving unauthorized selling of securities. Ponzi schemes, which promise high returns but are fraudulent in nature, are also prevalent.
Excessive trading, or churning, occurs when advisors generate commissions through excessive transactions at the investor’s expense. Misrepresentation and omission involve providing misleading or deceptive information about investments. Breaches of fiduciary duty, where advisors prioritize their interests over clients’, are also a concern. Unauthorized trading and failure to supervise can further endanger investor assets.
Other significant frauds include overconcentration, theft or misappropriation of client funds, mutual fund sales violations, and conflicts of interest. Additionally, investors may encounter cryptocurrency fraud, private placements, and microcap fraud. These fraudulent activities underscore the importance of careful monitoring and informed investment decisions.
Can I Recover my Investment Losses?
In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated the law and you suffered damages as a result of their misconduct.
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 New Jersey, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-melilli-cambridge-investment-research-inc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jeffrey-gitterman-vanderbilt-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-hunt-apw-capital/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jarrett-dewelde-equitable-advisors-llc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-burdi-northwestern-mutual-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jarrett-dewelde-equitable-advisors/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/daniel-lamego-mml-investors-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/stuart-lesser-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/marko-milosevic-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/sanjeev-segan-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/anthony-cancela-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/francis-dougherty-of-prudential-financial-planning-services
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gregory-jacobson-b-riley-wealth-management/
Did You Know . . . New Jersey Securities Fraud Attorney Robert Pearce Has Single-Handedly Collected Over $175 Million On Behalf of His Clients
Over the past two decades, Robert Pearce has successfully recovered more than $175 million for his investor clients. Impressively, he has secured recoveries for over 99% of his clients through various means, including settlements, arbitrations, and court litigations.
No law 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 $175 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?
A lawyer like Robert helps investors recover investment losses that they lost due to a financial advisor or broker who did not act in their best interest.
Investment Losses? Let’s talk.
or, give us a ring at 800-732-2889.
Client Testimonials
What Are the Statute of Limitations in NJ?
In investment fraud cases, it’s crucial to act quickly due to the statutes of limitations set by both New Jersey and federal laws, which establish strict deadlines for filing legal claims. In New Jersey, the general statute of limitations for fraud claims is six years from the date of the fraud.
Under the New Jersey Securities Act, however, a claim must be initiated within two years of the contract of sale or within two years of when the plaintiff knew or should have known of the cause of action.
On the federal level, the statute of limitations for securities fraud cases is generally five years from the date of the violation or two years from when the fraud was or should have been discovered. To ensure your claim is filed within these limits, it’s important to consult with an attorney promptly.
New Jersey and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
New Jersey investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets.
These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- New Jersey Uniform Securities Act: The cornerstone of New Jersey 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.
- New Jersey Business Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- New Jersey Bureau of Securities: This agency is the primary watchdog for the New Jersey securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the New Jersey Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm New Jersey 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
- New Jersey Bureau of Securities: https://www.nj.gov/oag/law/secf.htm
- Office of the New Jersey Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- SEC: https://www.sec.gov/
Contact Us Today About Your Potential Fraud Case
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., is a law firm specializing in representing defrauded investors recover. New Jersey investment and securities 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 (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Newark securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
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.