Securities Fraud Resources

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the federal government agency responsible for regulating securities – bonds, mutual funds, stocks, exchanges, pensions, retirement plans, and other investments. State governments also regulate and enforce securities laws pertaining to their areas of jurisdiction.

When dealers, brokerages, or corporations mislead or withhold information from investors or sell securities without proper registration, they commit a white-collar crime called securities fraud or investment fraud. They can face criminal and civil repercussions for their actions.

If you believe you’re a victim, take advantage of these securities fraud resources, and don’t hesitate to contact the experienced attorneys of Oakes & Fosher, LLC. We’ll guide you through the legal process from start to finish.

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Understanding Securities Fraud

The term “securities fraud” covers many illegal activities that deceive investors or manipulate markets. For instance, when brokers misrepresent the risk of particular investments by overpromising results or providing false information, they commit fraud.

Likewise, if a financial advisor buys or sells stocks, bonds, or other securities without proper registration, they, too, commit fraud. Whatever the case, your money and future are at stake. If you’ve sustained significant losses due to securities fraud, our expert attorneys can help recover damages and protect your future investments.

Stockbroker Fraud in the United States

Stockbrokers handle securities for investors, like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, equity shares, and more. However, it should always be a concern when a broker guarantees a return on investment. No stockbroker in the U.S. should promise results or misrepresent risks to encourage or discourage specific investments.

Federal securities laws govern buying and selling of stocks, bonds, and other products. They exist to protect investors from fraudulent activity. Regulations include the following:

If you suspect fraudulent activity on your investments, don’t hesitate to contact the expert securities fraud lawyers of Oakes & Fosher, LLC. We have decades of successful securities fraud arbitration experience and will put it to work for you. We’ll fight to protect your hard-earned money.

Preventing Securities Fraud

Numerous investors, unfortunately, fall prey to securities fraud, whether college students or retirees. The best way to prevent criminal investment activity is to understand the tactics stockbrokers and agencies frequently use.

  • Phantom Riches. Fraudsters utilize the Phantom Riches tactic by dangling financial “carrots,” such as guaranteed significant income, to entice you to invest in risky products.
  • High Pressure/Scarcity. If your broker uses phrases like “act fast or lose the opportunity,” consider it a red flag. Some investments are indeed time-sensitive, but stockbrokers use this language all too often.
  • Source Credibility. Source credibility occurs when a stockbroker attempts to establish legitimacy using a real or false association with a reputable firm or corporation.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Securities Fraud

If you suspect you or a loved one have fallen victim to securities fraud, contact Oakes & Fosher immediately. Our experienced attorneys deeply understand the intricacies and nuances of securities fraud law and will use it to your advantage.

Our team will inform you of every applicable law and regulation so you may understand your rights. As a result, we may recover some or all of your losses. One of the best things you can do to protect your assets is to consider securities fraud arbitration with the help of experienced lawyers.

Securities Fraud Resources for Victims

Victims have numerous securities fraud resources available to assist them. Below are helpful organizations and agencies committed to protecting investors across the United States:

  • SEC – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is the federal regulatory agency that protects investors against securities fraud. Their site provides an overview of the federal laws regulating investments and trade and instructions for filing a complaint.
  • FINRA – The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) site includes an online program called BrokerCheck. This resource provides an overview of a broker’s employment history and any regulatory actions taken against them, like FINRA arbitration and complaints.
  • IAPD – The Investment Advisor Public Disclosure (IAPD) is sponsored by the SEC. It allows you to review their most recently filed registration and reporting form, check a financial advisor’s disciplinary and/or arbitration background, and determine which regulatory agency oversees their transactions.
  • NASAA – The North American Securities Administrators Association provides investors with steps to take when filing a complaint against brokers and agencies. The site also offers a list of state-specific resources for securities fraud.

Contact the Securities Fraud Attorneys of Oakes & Fosher

If you believe your stockbroker or agency committed securities fraud against you, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Although you may certainly attempt to navigate the process alone by utilizing our helpful securities fraud resources, the best action you can take is to consider arbitration. 

The experienced attorneys at Oakes & Fosher can assess your case, inform you of your rights, and determine the appropriate legal avenue. Contact us today to get started – we accept cases throughout the United States.

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