Investment Fraud Litigation

Silver Law Group has collectively recovered millions of dollars for investors defrauded by brokerage firms, registered investments advisors and securities misconduct. An investor can only make a sound investment decision if he or she is fully apprised of the investment’s features, risks, future prospects and other material information concerning the investment and the underlying business. Sometimes, though, financial professionals or the underlying business act fraudulently and cause investors significant losses.

Investment fraud is a deceptive practice in the stock or commodities markets that induces investors to purchase or sell investments due to false information. Investment and securities fraud arise out of allegations that losses are because of misconduct not related to market forces. This frequently results in severe financial losses as well as violations of securities laws.

Often times, perpetrators of investment fraud are flat out not telling the truth or skewing the truth when they advertise their purported investments. Investments are made to look as “once in a lifetime,” “guaranteed winners,” “risk-free,” and “only available for a limited time.” Additionally, perpetrators of investment fraud might advertise the investment as exclusive only to certain investors. Unfortunately, these perpetrators of investment fraud simply are looking after their own interests and can cause significant losses for ordinary investors.

Investment fraud occurs in a variety of situations and contexts. Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases concerning many of the situations listed below. Some common types of investment fraud are:

• High-return or risk-free investments;
• Pyramid schemes;
• Ponzi schemes;
• Promissory notes;
• Pump and dump schemes;
• Microcap or penny stock fraud;
• Pre-IPO investment scams; and
• Elder financial fraud.

Some of these types of fraud are complex and difficult to detect until the losses have already occurred. This is why it is important to be vigilant concerning proposed investments and the individual pitching them.

Always ask questions and research the proposed investment, as fraudsters are expecting little pushback and usually prey on individuals who are not likely to follow up on their claims. This includes researching the background of the individual attempting to sell you an investment. Be wary of unsolicited offers.

Further, there are typical red flags the potential investor should follow up on. These include deals that sounds too good to be true, promises of guaranteed results, claims that everyone is buying in, and pressure to send money immediately.

One of the most important rules targeting securities fraud is Rule 10b-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The rule bars any fraudulent or deceitful act or omission connected to the purchase or sale of any security.

For more tips and information concerning investment fraud, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has implemented the website Investor.gov and published many articles and guides on investment fraud.

Our attorneys are efficient, aggressive, creative and results-oriented. We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety investment fraud disputes in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate levels, and across the country and worldwide.

When handling investment fraud litigation, our lawyers always:

• Perform an early and complete investigation at case inception;
• Develop a comprehensive litigation strategy;
• Execute the strategy in the courtroom, arbitration hearing or mediation; and
• Put our client’s best interests first.

At Silver Law Group we typically handle investment fraud litigation cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if no money is recovered from your claim, you will owe nothing to our firm for attorneys’ fees. Accordingly, we only pursue claims where we believe there is a reasonably high probability of success. Contact our firm for a free consultation.