South 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 South 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 South Carolina-based investor.

We recognize the stress and frustration associated with being a victim of investment fraud, and we are committed to guiding you through the legal process and holding those responsible to account.

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 South 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, involves deceptive tactics such as providing false or misleading information to influence investors’ decisions, leading to significant financial losses. In some cases, dishonest brokers may even engage in the 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 involving options, structured products, commodities futures transactions, churning, Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, or the sale of unregistered securities. Securities and commodities 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 novel and complex investment products to generate high commissions and profits, often without regard for their clients’ ability to absorb potential losses. These intricate investment options and strategies, appropriate only for a select group of investors willing to take on substantial risks, can sometimes serve to hide 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. However, numerous brokers and financial advisors fail to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities or may even engage in outright securities fraud. They could deceive you about the nature of investments, hide associated risks, partake in excessive trading (known as churning) to rack up 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.

Get A Free Consultation

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

Robert Pearce

South Carolina and Federal Laws That Protect Investors

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

  • Key Laws and Regulations
    • South Carolina Uniform Securities Act: The cornerstone of South 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.
    • The South Carolina Business Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
    • South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act (UTPA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
  • Governing Agencies
    • South Carolina Attorney General Securities Division: This agency is the primary watchdog for the South Carolina securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
    • Office of the South 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 South 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 South Carolina Securities Law Attorneys Can Help You

While investment losses are a natural part of the investing process, brokers can be held legally accountable when they commit fraud. If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of investment fraud, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in these cases. Additionally, it may be necessary to report the incident 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 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, South Carolina Uniform Securities Act, breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor or negligent.

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 South Carolina, including:

Click Here to see more

    Some of our Lawyer’s Success Stories Include: 

    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 served as co-counsel with the Receiver on behalf of investors in a class action lawsuit targeting accounting and legal professionals accused of assisting a Ponzi scheme. Following its transfer from state to Federal court, the case, after several years of litigation, was settled shortly thereafter. The resolution came through mediation, resulting in law and accounting firms paying over $4.3 million to the receivership for the benefit of the investors.

    FLORIDA STATE COURT SETTLEMENT $3,500,000

    In a state court action, Mr. Pearce filed a lawsuit on behalf of a trust for an elderly widow against one of the country’s largest corporate trustees. The trustee was accused of failing to diversify a concentrated portfolio consisting of a single stock during the financial market meltdown. The case was settled for nearly the full amount of the widow’s losses to which she was entitled, within the brief six-month statutory period for filing claims against trustees. The settlement amounted to $3.5 million.

    FINRA ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT $3,350,000

    In this FINRA Arbitration, investors alleged that their broker-dealer excessively concentrated and overleveraged their accounts with Puerto Rico municipal bonds, and further advised them to “hold” these positions despite knowing the market conditions were precarious. The case was settled just before the arbitration hearing was set to commence for $3,350,000.

    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?

    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 costs involved. If you choose to proceed, you will likely be asked to enter into a contingency fee agreement. Under this arrangement, you will only pay the attorney if they successfully recover funds for you. If the attorney does not succeed, you will not owe any legal fees.

    What Are the Statute of Limitations?

    When dealing with investment fraud cases, it is crucial to act quickly due to statutes of limitations set by both South Carolina and federal laws. In South Carolina, the deadline to file securities fraud claims is generally three years from the discovery of the fraud, but no later than five years from the violation date. At the federal level, the statute of limitations typically allows five years from the violation date or two years from when the fraud should have been discovered to file a case. Consulting an attorney promptly is essential to make sure 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:

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

    Our law firm works with clients in Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mont Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hilton head Island, Sumter, and throughout the state of South Carolina. 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.