What Happens If I Have a Valid Investment Loss Claim?

Wrongfully Trusting a Crooked Financial Advisor or Stockbroker

Investments like stocks, bonds, and real estate are a few examples of excellent returns on your money. Generally, you will have a stockbroker or financial advisor do your bidding and care for and grow your financial portfolio. Most of these professionals are honest and forthright. It is unfortunate to pick a stockbroker that is less than honest and risky to deal with because you stand to lose all of your money. 

When this happens, you become a victim of fraud by your broker or advisor. At this point, you need a seasoned and experienced investment fraud attorney to determine if you have a valid investment loss claim. Only then can you proceed with your claim to help recoup your money. Never attempt to do this on your own. 

When you decide to invest your hard-earned money, you should know that doing so comes with some risks. However, these risks come from legitimate sources and should never come from your financial advisor, stockbroker, or brokerage firm. 

As an investor, you place a high element of trust in your stockbroker, brokerage firm, or financial advisor. If you find out that this professional that you placed absolute confidence in should not have been trusted, you must hold them accountable for their actions.

There are entities that these professionals must answer to, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA. This organization of brokers has the responsibility for monitoring any negligence and misconduct by brokers and their firms. It is through this organization that your attorney may be able to find reimbursement for your losses. You may also be able to bring a civil lawsuit against the negligent advisor in court. 

Never try to win this fight without a seasoned and experienced attorney by your side whose expertise is investment fraud. These cases are complex and complicated, and they demand the expertise of attorneys who have a winning record for recouping lost money due to investment fraud. 

When you lose hard-earned money in a fraud case, you become angry, discouraged, and upset for a good reason. However, it is your seasoned attorney who can turn the table on fraud. We go to bat for you when you are a victim of fraudulent investments. We work to obtain the highest compensation available due to the misconduct and negligence of someone you trusted with your money. 

When you are sure that you are a victim of investment fraud, please give us a free, no-obligation call as soon as possible and let us decide if you have a good case. Your advisor’s responsibilities always lie in your best interests. When your advisor shows negligence in handling your finances, they must be held accountable. 

Signs of Investment Fraud

• A sudden, unexpected loss in your accounts
• Unauthorized activity on your account, trades not recognized
• Unexpected gains or losses
• A gradual decline in your accounts
• Sudden losses that saw constant gains
• Too many transactions that your advisor cannot explain

Steps to Take When There is a Valid Investment Loss Claim

• Call a seasoned investment fraud attorney.
• Gather evidence on a fraud file and present it to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
• You and your attorney present all your evidence in court.
• Listen to your attorneys as they explain the extent of this advisor’s negligent actions.
• You must gather statements from all accounts where you believe suspected fraud occurred.
• Gather your advisor’s information, such as name, license number, and more.
• Keep notes of communications on what was said, with date and time of contact.
• Gather all copies of emails, texts, and interactions with the advisor.
• Check your credit reports for unusual activity.
• If you report suspected fraud to the police, get a copy of this report.

Steps Towards a Valid Investment Loss Claim

• File a FINRA arbitration complaint against your broker or investment firm for full recovery of your losses
• You and your attorney present evidence as stated above.
• Present witness statements.
• The defendant can present their evidence.
• All evidence is reviewed in full by the arbitrators to determine if investment fraud occurred and if the respondent is liable for your losses.
• If the respondent is found responsible, the arbitrators decide how much the respondent must repay. Repayment must be within 30 days.

Know that FINRA arbitration takes less time than court litigation. Your attorney decides which path is the best for your case. If your attorney chooses to follow an approach to court litigation, you take many of the same steps to recoup your lost funds. FINRA also offers a mediation process. This process means that a settlement is reached before arbitration or court. 

Winning a court case for investment fraud includes money compensation and other damages you suffered due to this person’s negligence. Know that the defendant can appeal the court’s decision, and this can hold up your receiving funds for weeks, months, or years. 

A Call to Action in Investment Fraud Cases

You need an Investment Loss Lawyer if you fall victim to investment fraud. These cases are highly complex and complicated. Proving that investment fraud did indeed happen must be handled by a seasoned investment fraud attorney for you to obtain fair compensation. We want to hear your story and help you recoup your investment losses.