Securities & Investment Fraud Attorneys

Alternative investments are securities not traded on public exchanges and lack readily available pricing. Examples include non-traded REITs, non-traded BDCs, private placements, and promissory notes.

Often advertised as opportunities to make a lot of money, these investments can be risky. You might not receive a quick return.

Brokers may take advantage of their clients by selling alternative investments to those unsuited for the level of risk. They may also mislead them about the risks or charge them outrageously high fees for their assistance.

Oakes & Fosher stands ready to assist those suffering losses from alternative investments. We can investigate your case for potential broker misconduct, represent you in FINRA arbitration or court, and assist with loss recovery.

Oakes & Fosher, LLC specializes in assisting investors who have suffered financial losses from their advisor’s misconduct. Our securities and investment fraud attorneys successfully represent clients in FINRA arbitration cases, where we work to recover the money owed to you.

Our process includes a detailed case examination, strong claim drafting, evidence gathering, and representation before FINRA arbitrators. If successful, we will also assist you in collecting your entitled compensation.

Excessive trading, or churning, occurs when a broker trades securities in an account excessively to generate additional fees. A claimant must show that the broker controlled the account transactions to prove a churning claim in securities arbitration. Additionally, they must demonstrate that the account activity was excessive.

We boast extensive experience presenting legal and statistical evidence that supports churning claims to Arbitration Panels. Examples include turnover ratios and break-even percentages.

Stockbroker fraud occurs when brokers engage in misconduct to benefit themselves rather than their clients. Our securities and investment fraud attorneys have in-depth knowledge of securities law and can help you recover your investment losses, whether from elder fraud, Ponzi schemes, or conversion fraud.

We’ll analyze your financial statements and assess misconduct. If necessary, we will then file a claim with FINRA against the responsible broker or brokerage firm.

Our skilled attorneys represent clients experiencing losses from various forms of annuity and insurance fraud:

• Equity Indexed Annuities: These investment vehicles fall between fixed and variable annuities. They appear alluring to some because brokers often pitch them as ways to see profits on existing annuity investments without exposing their principal to risk. However, brokers don’t mention that equity indexed annuities are illiquid, with up to 20% cancellation fees.
• Variable Annuities: These investments include a contract with an insurance company or financial institution. The insurer agrees to make periodic payments to the investor. As with any investment option, though, risks are prevalent. These products are illiquid, meaning neither the investor nor their beneficiary can touch the funds until all payments are complete. However, brokers misrepresent them and sell variable annuities to gain from the associated fees.
• Variable Life Insurance: A variable life insurance policy is similar to a variable annuity, offering greater flexibility and potential returns than other investment opportunities. However, these complex investments may prevent investors from withdrawing or transferring funds for several years. Brokers often falsely claim that the principal and income are secure since variable annuities are forms of insurance.
• Whole Life Insurance: As its name suggests, whole life insurance is a policy that stays in effect for the holder’s lifetime or as long as premium payments continue. A portion of each payment goes toward the insurance cost, while the rest builds cash value. Although it often appeals to investors interested in a product offering cash value to pay premiums, many brokers sell it as an investment vehicle, stating that it will help build retirement savings.

Brokers have a legal duty to make appropriate investment decisions for their clients. However, some brokers fail to do so by recommending unsuitable investments that can lead to significant losses for investors. Oakes & Fosher represents those who have suffered losses from broker negligence.