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

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 New York-based investor.

We understand the frustration and stress that comes with being a victim of investment fraud, and helped clients navigate the legal process and hold those responsible accountable for over 40 years.

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 New York 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. 

All forms of investment fraud aim to deceive investors into taking actions that benefit the perpetrator financially. This may include schemes like misrepresenting high commission illiquid private placement investment, churning accounts, Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, or the sale of unregistered securities. Securities fraud is an illegal or unethical activity punishable by law. Investors have remedies under the law if they pursue the wrongdoers.

“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 frequently market new and complex investment products to earn substantial commissions and profits, without fully considering whether their clients can absorb potential losses. These intricate investment products and strategies, appropriate only for a small segment of investors ready to undertake considerable risks, are occasionally employed to mask excessive trading and risk exposure 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 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.

Get A Free Consultation

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

Robert Pearce

New York and Federal Laws That Protect Investors

New York investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:

  • Key Laws and Regulations
    • Martin Act: Article 23-A of the New York Gen. Business Law commonly known as the Martin Act gives the New York Attorney General the authority to enforce the laws provisions, which regulate the offer and sell securities in or from New York, but does not give investors any private rights to enforce the law.
    • New York Business Corporation Law: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
    • New York Consumer Protection Act: This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
  • Governing Agencies
    • Office of the New York Attorney General: This agency is the primary watchdog for the New York securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.It is also focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm New York 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 New York 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.

The quicker you take action, the better your chances of securing compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we have a strong track record of helping numerous investors recoup their losses from investment fraud. We will diligently examine your case to identify any instances of misrepresentation or fraudulent activities and advocate tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

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?

In order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated Federal securities laws or the common law of New York, including their fiduciary duty to you as an investor, acted fraudulently or negligently, or breached their contract to abide by securities industry rules and regulations.

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 are currently conducting investigations into various financial firms and stockbrokers in New York who may have received customer complaints, could be subject to legal proceedings, or may have engaged in unethical practices and committed fraud. These include:

Click Here to see more

Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include: 

FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $8,214,596

Our firm resolved a FINRA Arbitration involving investors who argued that their financial advisor did not accurately represent, and completely failed to disclose, the risks associated with a highly leveraged credit spread strategy. Additionally, the clients claimed that the financial advisor, who worked for a major investment bank, inappropriately allocated all their assets into this unsuitable investment strategy. In March 2020, the account was excessively leveraged, leading to substantial forced sales of securities at very low prices to satisfy margin calls. The dispute was settled before the arbitration hearing, which was scheduled for January 2022.

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.

This FINRA arbitration against UBS Financial Services, Inc. and UBS Financial Services Inc. of Puerto Rico involve the overconcentration of Mr. Blanco’s family’s assets in Puerto Rico municipal bonds and closed-end bond funds.  The arbitrators awarded substantially all of the Blanco family losses and over $1.5 million prejudgment interest and all of the litigation expenses, $170,000, arising out of an unsuitable recommendation to “hold” their Puerto Rico securities in the fall of 2012 when market conditions were perilous. The arbitration award was entered in favor of the Blanco family after 40 hearing sessions in 2019.

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 represented the investors as co-counsel with the Receiver in a class action against the accounting and legal professionals for allegedly aiding and abetting a Ponzi scheme. After removal from state to Federal court and several years of litigation, the lawsuit was resolved in 2017 through mediation and the payment of more than $4.3 million to the receivership for the investors benefit by the law and accounting firms.

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. Impressively, he has successfully reclaimed funds for over 99% of his investor clients using a variety of methods, such as 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?

When addressing investment fraud cases, acting promptly is crucial due to the statutes of limitations set by both New York and federal laws, which establish strict deadlines for initiating legal actions. In New York, the timeframe for filing fraud claims is generally six years from when the action accrued, or within two years from when the plaintiff either discovered or reasonably could have discovered the fraud. On the federal level, the statute of limitations for securities fraud cases is usually five years from the date of the violation or two years from when the fraud should have been discovered. It is essential to seek legal advice quickly to ensure that your claim is filed within these established deadlines.

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 New York 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. New York 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 New York securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.

Our law firm works with clients in New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Schenectady, Utica, and throughout the state of New York. 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.