Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma.
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 an Oklahoma-based investor.
We have represented hundreds of clients over the last 40 years and 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 Oklahoma 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 oil and gas private placement frauds, 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 frequently market new and complex investment products to secure high commissions and profits, irrespective of their clients’ ability to absorb potential losses. These sophisticated investment options and strategies are appropriate for only a small segment of investors who are open to substantial risks. Occasionally, these products are also used to conceal 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.
Initially, when you engaged a broker-dealer, you probably trusted them to prioritize your best interests. Regrettably, many brokers and financial advisors fail to fulfill their fiduciary obligations, or they may even commit securities fraud. They could mislead you about investment opportunities, obscure the associated risks, engage in excessive trading (known as churning) to earn commissions, or levy hidden fees that result in overcharging.
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.
Oklahoma and Federal Laws That Protect Investors
Oklahoma investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Oklahoma Uniform Securities Act: The cornerstone of Oklahoma 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.
- Oklahoma General Corporation Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Oklahoma Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices
- Governing Agencies
- Oklahoma Department of Securities: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Oklahoma securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Oklahoma 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
- Oklahoma Department of Securities: https://oklahoma.gov/top/agency/630.html
- Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: https://www.oag.ok.gov/consumer-protection
- FINRA: https://www.finra.org/
- SEC – https://www.sec.gov/
How our Oklahoma 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.
Acting quickly can significantly enhance your chances of securing compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we have successfully assisted numerous investors in recouping their losses from investment fraud. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation of your case, identify any misrepresentations or fraudulent activities, and vigorously advocate for your rights to ensure you receive 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?
Securities fraud can involve complex investments and strategies. In order to recover your investment losses, you must have a skilled attorney prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated federal securities laws, Oklahoma Securities Act, committed common law fraud or breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor.
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 Oklahoma, including:
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/curtis-howard-harbor-financial-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/tim-ridley-wells-fargo-clearing-services
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joshua-albert-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/brian-engleman-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/charles-bigbie-geneos-wealth-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/richard-stone-stifel-nicolaus-company-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/andres-murdoch-somerset-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-carrano-merrill-lynch-pierce-fenner-smith/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/e-m-steinberg-oppenheimer-co/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/donald-zabudsky-morgan-stanley/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jacquelyn-pasciak-cambridge-investment-research/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jason-meiwes-lpl-financial-llc-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/lance-cannon-lpl-financial-llc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/david-thiele-osaic-wealth/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/tyson-allred-lpl-financial-llc/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/eric-davidson-aegis-capital-corp/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/tim-weinberg-cetera-advisor-networks/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/ryan-beck-osaic-wealth/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/eric-anderson-nylife-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-hoffman-royal-alliance-associates/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/travis-price-fsc-securities-corp/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/todd-micciche-cuna-brokerage-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/dee-rippetoe-sigma-financial-corporation/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/thomas-lundgaard-kestra-investment-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/joseph-hobbs-cetera-investment-network/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/matthew-mitchell-bok-financial-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/albert-collingbourne-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/thomas-avant-wells-fargo-clearing-services-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/curtis-wilson-securities-america-2/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/william-harris-sigma-financial-corp/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/steven-gary-state-farm-vp-management/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/michael-rainbolt-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/matthew-denham-edward-jones/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/james-mckinney-cetera-advisors/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jeff-carel-j-p-morgan-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/jarris-davis-j-p-morgan-securities/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/ivan-williams-iv-merrill-lynch/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/gary-stanislawski-lpl-financial/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/dustin-speth-fidelity-brokerage-services/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/curtis-wilson-securities-america/
- https://www.secatty.com/investigations/christopher-jones-edward-jones/
Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include:
FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $8,214,596
This FINRA Arbitration our firm settled involved Texas and Oklahoma residents who claimed their financial advisor misrepresented and fully failed to disclose the risk of using a highly leveraged credit spread strategy. Further, the clients alleged that the financial advisor associated with a major investment bank placed all of their assets in his unsuitable investment strategy. The account was overleveraged and vulnerable in March 2020 to massive liquidations of securities to meet margin calls at fire sale prices. The case settled prior to the arbitration hearing in January,
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.
FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $6,000,000
This FINRA arbitration against a major broker-dealer in the United States and its off-shore subsidiary involved over-concentration of accounts in Puerto Rico municipal bonds and closed-end funds and unsuitable “hold” recommendations when the broker-dealers knew market conditions were perilous. It settled midway through the arbitration proceeding in 2017 for $6 million even though the broker-dealers claimed the clients’ accounts had received millions of dollars in profits over many years.
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 over $170 million in recoveries for his investor clients. Impressively, he has successfully obtained compensation for more than 99% of his clients using a variety of methods, 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?
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. During this consultation, the attorney will assess your situation and provide an estimate of potential legal fees. If you choose to proceed with your case, you’ll generally be asked to sign a contingency fee agreement. This agreement stipulates that you only need to pay the attorney if they successfully recover funds for you. If they are not successful, you won’t owe any legal fees.
What Are the Statute of Limitations?
In investment fraud cases, acting promptly is crucial due to the statutes of limitations defined by both Oklahoma and federal laws, which establish firm deadlines for filing legal claims. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for securities fraud is generally two years from when the fraud is discovered, but no more than three years after the sale transaction. On the federal level, the statute of limitations is usually five years from the date of the violation or two years from when the fraud should have been discovered. It’s essential to consult with an attorney quickly to ensure your claim is filed within these legal time frames.
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 an Oklahoma 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. Oklahoma 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 an Oklahoma securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively for your financial recovery and for justice.
Our law firm works with clients in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Edmond, Lawton, Moore, Midwest City, Enid, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 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.