
Investing money can help secure your financial future. However, most people do not have the experience and understanding of financial markets needed to ensure they are investing their money wisely, so they turn to investment brokers. If you hire an investment broker who defrauds you of your money, an experienced North Fort Myers security fraud attorney can help.
At Viles & Beckman, LLC, we know how investment fraud can completely disrupt your life. When an investment broker mishandles your money, the resulting financial losses can be catastrophic. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve through a free case evaluation with an experienced investor fraud attorney.
When You Should Hire a Securities Fraud Attorney in North Fort Myers
After losing a significant amount of money caused by securities and investment fraud, it’s critical to get in touch with a security fraud law firm. Many parties can potentially be held responsible for your losses, and an experienced attorney can help you determine who is to blame. The most commonly liable parties in these cases include:
- Investment advisors
- Stockbrokers
- Brokerage firms
- Third parties
If the negligence or otherwise inappropriate or illegal actions of another party lead to the loss of your investment, an experienced attorney can help you prove that your losses were the result of fraud so that you can recover the compensation to which you are entitled. Holding the liable party at fault is critical for restoring your financial position and getting your life back on track.
Investment fraud can take many forms, and a variety of people could be responsible for your losses. Identifying the type of fraud you were subjected to and by who can be challenging on your own. Fortunately, an experienced security fraud lawyer in North Fort Myers can help.
For a free legal consultation with a security fraud lawyer serving North Fort Myers, call (239) 334-3933
Investment Fraud Cases Are Usually Resolved Through Arbitration
The vast majority of investment fraud cases are settled through arbitration. The main reason for this is that in most investment contracts, there is a clause stating that any dispute that may arise will be settled through arbitration. These arbitration cases are regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
When you work with an experienced broker fraud attorney, they will walk you through all the steps of the arbitration process and put you in a position to recover the maximum compensation available.
North Fort Myers Security Fraud Lawyer Near Me (239) 334-3933
Types of Investment Fraud
Investment fraud can take many different forms. In most cases, investors are unaware of the particular form of fraud that led to their financial losses. Fortunately, an experienced investment fraud attorney can investigate your case to determine the fraud that occurred and who was responsible. Some of the most common types of investment fraud include:
- Churning
- Unsuitability
- Unauthorized trading
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Misrepresentations or omissions of fact
- Over-concentration
- Failure to supervise
- Pump and dump schemes
- Pyramid schemes
- Ponzi schemes
Churning
Churning is the term for when a broker makes an excessive number of trades with their investor’s money. Churning does not benefit the investor, but instead generates additional commissions for the broker. FINRA regulations prohibit churning.
Unsuitability
Unsuitability is when a broker makes investment decisions with a client’s money that do not align with the client’s situation and risk level. If investments are made that are too high-risk or too conservative for the investor’s situation, the broker could be liable for any damages to their client’s portfolio.
Unauthorized Trading
When a stockbroker makes trades with a client’s money without their authorization, they could be liable for any losses the investor might suffer as a result.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
When an investment broker or financial advisor takes fiduciary responsibility for an investor’s money and fails to act in the best interest of their client, they are in breach of their fiduciary duty and liable for any losses.
Misrepresentations or Omissions of Fact
If a broker fails to disclose the risks of an investment or any conflicts of interest they have, they open themselves up to liability.
Over-Concentration
It is essential that stockbrokers create a diverse investment portfolio for their clients. Putting all of a client’s investment in one asset or one sector of the market makes the investor incredibly vulnerable. If a broker over-concentrates your investment, they could be responsible for any losses you sustain.
Failure to Supervise
When an investment broker works for a brokerage firm, the firm has a responsibility to supervise the actions of its employees. If a firm is negligent in ensuring that its brokers are making investment decisions that are in the best interest of their clients, the brokerage firm can be held accountable.
Pump and Dump Schemes
A pump and dump scheme is when investors are misled about a company with the intent of artificially inflating the stock price, so that the bad actors can then sell off high and flood the market, causing the stock price to plummet.
Pyramid Schemes
Pyramid schemes are illegal business models where people are recruited to invest in a product or service that lacks genuine value or substance. In turn, these investors are encouraged to recruit additional investors with the intention of funneling money upward.
Ponzi Schemes
Ponzi schemes are similar to pyramid schemes. Investors are paid with money brought in from new investors rather than from profits generated by the company.
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Reach Out to an Experienced Security Fraud Attorney Serving North Fort Myers Today
When pursuing compensation after suffering losses caused by investment fraud, it is essential that you retain the services of an experienced lawyer. At Viles & Beckman, LLC, we know how these types of cases are handled and can put you in the best position to recover the money you need.
Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form