North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

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 North Carolina-based investor.

After 40 years of helping investors, we truly 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 North Carolina 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 as securities fraud, occurs when deceptive tactics are employed, such as disseminating false or misleading information, to coax investors into making decisions that lead to significant financial losses. Unscrupulous brokers might go as far as to commit outright theft of 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 outright fraudulent misrepresentations and omissions to make the statements made misleading, 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 to a high-risk, illiquid asset. The broker minimizes the associated risks and exaggerates the potential gains, urging the investor to decide swiftly. This investment eventually collapses, resulting in major financial losses for the investor.

When you initially enlisted the services of your broker-dealer, you probably expected them to prioritize your interests. Sadly, numerous brokers and financial advisors fail to meet their fiduciary responsibilities or even engage in outright securities fraud. They may deceive you about investment opportunities, hide associated risks, excessively trade (known as churning) to earn commissions, or impose hidden fees that overcharge you.

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

North Carolina and Federal Laws That Protect Investors

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

  • Key Laws and Regulations
    • North Carolina Securities Act: The cornerstone of North Carolina 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.
    • North Carolina Business Corporation Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
    • North Carolina Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
  • Governing Agencies
    • North Carolina Securities Division: This agency is the primary watchdog for the North Carolina securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
    • Office of the North Carolina Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm North Carolina 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 North Carolina Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You

Certainly, experiencing losses is a natural aspect of investing, but when brokers engage in fraudulent activities, they may be held legally accountable. If you suspect you’ve fallen prey to investment fraud, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer specializing in investment fraud cases. Additionally, it might be necessary to report the situation to regulatory authorities such as the SEC or FINRA, especially if there’s a possibility of 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 losses due to the negligence or fraud of a stockbroker or advisor, the simplest way to determine if you have a viable case is by contacting our office at 800-732-2889. Here is how our skilled and experienced investment fraud law firm can represent and support 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 the Federal securities laws, North Carolina Securities Act, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor, acted negligently or failed to follow 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’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 North Carolina, including:

Click Here to see more

Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include: 

FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $8,500,000

This FINRA Arbitration involved investors who claimed their broker-dealer over-concentrated and over-leveraged 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 prior the arbitration hearing in 2021.

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.

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

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?

Time is of the essence when it comes to investment fraud cases. Both North Carolina and federal laws have statutes of limitations that set deadlines for filing legal claims. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for fraud is generally 3 years from the time of discovery of the fraud.  However, the statute of limitations for securities fraud under the North Carolina Securities act is similarly 3 years from the time of discovery, but no more than 5 years from the date of the contract for sale of the securities.  Federally, the statute of limitations for securities fraud cases is typically five years from the date of the violation or two years from the date the fraud should have been discovered. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

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 North Carolina 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. North Carolina 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 North Carolina securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.

Our law firm works with clients in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, High Point, Concord, North Carolina and throughout the state. 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.