What Can I Do if I’m a Victim of Investment Fraud?

November 26, 2024

Posted in: Securities Fraud

If you are the victim of investment fraud, it’s important to consider your legal options as quickly as possible. Investment fraud cases can be extremely complicated and difficult to prove. It is essential to work with a lawyer who understands the complexities of investment fraud cases and knows how to protect your rights and best interests.

Over the past 20 years, Stock Market Fraud has helped clients recover their financial losses in over 800 FINRA claims. With more than 80 years of combined experience, we know how to protect the rights of investors and hold negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing.

If you have sustained damages due to investment fraud, contact Stock Market Fraud online or call (888) 513-3010 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our investment fraud lawyers.

Step 1. Start an Investment Fraud File

Evidence plays a vital role in any investment fraud case. If you suspect your investment advisor has acted negligently, start gathering all relevant documents related to your investments immediately. Your investment fraud file should include the advisor’s name, phone number, mailing address, email address, and website details. Also include:

A timeline of events
Call notes
email correspondence
investment sales confirmations
Other documentation related to the fraud
Other collateral materials

The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case may be. Be sure to start compiling your investment fraud file as soon as you suspect wrongdoing.

Step 2. Contact a Law Firm that Focuses on Investment Fraud

The sooner you meet with an experienced investment fraud lawyer, the better your odds are of recovering your financial losses. An attorney will examine the details of your investment, evaluate your situation, and explain your legal options.

When searching for a law firm to handle your investment fraud case, look for the following key attributes:

Extensive Experience Handling Investment Fraud Cases

Investment fraud is a very specific field of law; you should never assume that just any attorney is capable of handling the complexities of these cases unless they have an explicit and successful history of handling them.

The knowledgeable lawyers at Stock Market Fraud have handled more than 800 FINRA claims. We understand the complexities of these difficult cases, and we know how to build strong cases on behalf of our clients. Our firm has extensive experience investigating a variety of investment fraud cases that involve negligent advisors, brokerages, and other parties. We have successfully handled cases that involve:

Federal and state laws provide protections for victims of fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) offers valuable information on its website about financial fraud and victims’ rights. On a state level, you can visit www.naag.org to find contact details for your state’s Attorney General.

Knowing your federal and state rights is essential when seeking justice. An attorney can guide you through these rights and advise you on your best course of action. However, it is critical that you act promptly—any delay could jeopardize your chances of recovering your financial losses.

A Record of Success

If you have suffered financial losses because of someone’s negligent or fraudulent actions, you need an attorney on your side who is capable of holding the wrongdoers accountable and fighting for the full financial recovery you deserve. The best way to determine if a law firm is capable of protecting your rights and best interests is to examine its results.

Stock Market Fraud is proud of our proven history of success in a range of cases involving investment fraud. Our investment fraud lawyers have earned an “AV Rating” from Martindale-Hubbell, a prestigious honor held by just 20% of attorneys in the U.S.

Positive Reviews

After being the victim of fraud, it may be difficult to know who to trust. This understandable skepticism can make it even more challenging to select a reputable investment fraud lawyer. An effective way to gain a clear picture of the attorney you are considering is to see what previous clients have to say about their experiences.

If you are speaking with a potential lawyer, ask for reviews. In many cases, you can simply check the internet for online reviews, but you can also ask to connect personally with a past client to discuss whether they were pleased with their attorney and outcome.

Availability

Throughout the course of your legal journey, communication with your attorney is crucial. Choose an investment fraud lawyer who is available and eager to answer your questions without making you feel like an annoyance.

At Stock Market Fraud, we prioritize active and honest communication. We want to make sure that our clients know exactly what is happening with their cases at every step of their legal journeys. We are committed to keeping you informed and are ready to answer your questions as they arise.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Investment Fraud Lawyer

When looking for an investment fraud lawyer, consider asking your prospective attorney the following questions:

What experience do you have with investment fraud cases?
Have you handled cases similar to mine? If so, what was the outcome?
Are you familiar with the specific type of investment or scheme involved in my case (e.g., Ponzi schemes, broker misconduct)?
Do you work on a contingency basis, or do you charge hourly fees?
Are there additional costs I should expect (e.g., filing fees, expert witnesses)?
Will you be handling my case personally, or will it be assigned to another attorney or team member?
Do you have access to financial experts or investigators who can support my case?
How often will I receive updates on my case?
What is the best way to reach you if I have questions or concerns?
Will I be able to review and provide input on important decisions?
Can you share examples of successful investment fraud cases you’ve handled?
Do you have client testimonials or references I can speak with?

Step 3. Report the Fraud to the Appropriate Authorities, if Applicable

Depending on the details of your situation, your attorney may advise reporting the fraud to the appropriate authorities. Agencies that you could report the fraud to include:

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission: (800) SEC-0330 or file a complaint.
FINRA: (844) 57-HELPS or file a tip.
North American Securities Administrators Association: (202) 737-0900 or www.nasaa.org.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners: report fraud or file a complaint to your state Commissioner.
National Futures Association: (312) 781-1467 or file a complaint.
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission: (866) 366-2382 or file a tip or complaint.
Internet Crime Complaint Center (a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center): www.ic3.gov.

Your lawyer may also advise filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This will help law enforcement track these crimes and prevent further fraud. However, filing with the FTC does not trigger a criminal investigation of your case.

Report the Fraud to Law Enforcement

To start the process of recovering your financial losses, it is important to report the fraud to law enforcement. This helps to ensure the perpetrators are investigated and other investors do not become victims of fraud.

Depending on your situation, you may report the fraudulent activities to:

Local Law Enforcement: You can file a police report by contacting your local law enforcement office.
District Attorney: Inform your local District Attorney’s Office.
Attorney General: Fraud can be reported to your state’s Attorney General’s Consumer Protection unit.
Federal Law Enforcement: You can report fraud to the FBI

Talk to an Investment Fraud Lawyer Today for FREE

If you’ve suffered losses due to the negligent or fraudulent actions of a financial advisor, you have the right to recover your financial losses. The team at Stock Market Fraud has assisted hundreds of investors in recovering their losses, and we can help you too. Our experienced lawyers possess the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively pursue justice in your case.

Don’t face your legal burdens alone. These cases can be extremely complex and difficult to prove without the guidance of a seasoned investment fraud lawyer with considerable experience in these matters. Our attorneys understand the complexities of these claims and we know how to win on behalf of our clients.

Call (888) 513-3010 today for a FREE consultation with an experienced attorney. We serve clients throughout the state of Florida and Nationwide.