How Oakes & Fosher Law Can Help Victims of Investment Scams
If you’ve fallen victim to an investment scam, Oakes & Fosher Law is here to offer the legal support you require. Our attorneys delve deep into your case, collecting evidence and devising a tailored legal strategy.
We’re dedicated to recovering your losses and ensuring accountability from the responsible parties. Our negotiation team aims for a fair settlement, yet we’re prepared to escalate to court proceedings if required.
Recognizing the individual nature of each case, we provide personalized guidance throughout the process. With Oakes & Fosher Law at your service, rest assured, your interests are safeguarded.
Common Alternative Investments
One of the most common types of alternative investments is real estate. Investing in properties, whether residential or commercial, can provide a steady stream of income through rental payments or appreciation in value over time. Hedge funds are another popular alternative investment.
These investment vehicles pool money from multiple investors to invest in a variety of assets, with the goal of generating high returns. Experienced professionals who employ complex investment strategies may claim to manage hedge funds.
Private equity investments involve investing in privately held companies. You can do this through venture capital funds or by directly investing in startups, but private equity investments carry significant risks.
Commodities, such as gold, oil, and agricultural products, are also alternative investments. You can trade these assets on commodity exchanges, which offer investors the opportunity to profit from price fluctuations.
Collectibles, such as art, rare coins, and vintage cars, are alternative investments that have gained popularity in recent years.
These assets can appreciate significantly over time and provide investors with a tangible asset that they can enjoy. However, investing in collectibles requires deep experience and careful research to ensure that you purchase genuine items that will hold their value.
The Risks Associated with Alternative Investments
While alternative investments can offer attractive returns, they also come with a higher level of risk compared to traditional investments due to the lack of regulation.
Since alternative investments are not subject to the same level of oversight as traditional investments, there is a greater potential for fraud and scams. Investors may be lured by promises of high returns and end up losing their entire investment.
Another risk associated with alternative investments is the lack of liquidity. Unlike stocks or bonds, which can be easily bought or sold on public exchanges, alternative investments are often illiquid.
This means that it can be difficult to sell these assets quickly, especially during periods of market volatility. Additionally, alternative investments may have high minimum investment requirements, which can limit access for smaller investors.
Furthermore, alternative investments are often more complex and require a deeper level of understanding compared to traditional investments.
Investors need to be knowledgeable about the specific asset class they are investing in and be able to evaluate the associated risks. The lack of transparency and standardized reporting can make it challenging to assess the true value and performance of alternative investments.
The Rise of Investment Scams in the Alternative Investment Industry
With the increasing popularity of alternative investments, there has been a corresponding rise in investment scams targeting unsuspecting investors. These scams often involve fraudulent schemes that promise high returns with little to no risk.
Scammers may use various tactics to deceive investors, such as creating fake investment opportunities or misrepresenting the performance of existing investments.
One common type of investment scam in the alternative investment industry is the Ponzi scheme.
In a Ponzi scheme, the scammer uses funds from new investors to pay returns to earlier investors, creating the illusion of a profitable investment. Eventually, the scheme collapses when there are not enough new investors to sustain the payouts.
Another type of investment scam is the pump and dump scheme, which involves artificially inflating the price of a stock or other asset and then selling it at a profit.
Scammers will typically use false or misleading information to create hype around the investment, enticing others to buy in and drive up the price. Once the price reaches a certain level, the scammers sell their holdings, causing the price to plummet and leaving other investors with significant losses.
Registered vs. Unregistered Investments
When considering alternative investments, it is crucial to distinguish between registered and unregistered investments.
Registered investments are those that are regulated by the SEC and must comply with certain disclosure requirements. These investments offer a higher level of protection for investors, as they are subject to regular audits and reporting.
On the other hand, unregistered investments are not regulated by the SEC and do not have the same level of oversight.
This makes them more susceptible to fraud and scams. Investors should exercise caution when dealing with unregistered investments and conduct thorough due diligence before making any commitments.
Steps to Take After an Investment Scam
If you suspect that you have been a victim of an investment scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect your rights and increase your chances of recovering your losses.
Here are some steps you should consider:
- Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications, transactions, and documents related to the investment. This will help provide evidence of any fraudulent activity.
- Report to Authorities: Contact your local law enforcement agency and file a complaint. They can guide you on the appropriate steps to take and may be able to initiate an investigation.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult with an experienced securities attorney who is experienced in investment scams. They can assess your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process.
- Contact Oakes & Fosher Law: Reach out to our firm for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and provide you with the guidance and support you need to pursue legal action.
After an alternative investment scam harms you, do not hesitate to contact Oakes & Fosher Law for a free consultation. Our experienced securities fraud attorneys will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide you with the legal guidance you need.
We are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients and helping them recover their hard-earned money. Since 2007, Oakes and Fosher has won more cases on behalf of individual investors tried before full FINRA panels than any other attorney in the country.
Take the first step towards seeking the compensation you deserve by reaching out to Oakes & Fosher Law today at (314) 428-7600.
If you have fallen victim to a scam in the alternative investment industry, you need a trusted partner who can help you fight for your rights. Oakes & Fosher Law is a law firm that handles securities 
