Leading Securities, Investor, & White Collar Fraud Attorneys in the Nation
The securities and commodities markets perform an integral role in driving the economy of the nation. As in most other human endeavors, there are those who would exploit the system for personal gain, and that results in victims of malfeasance. This usually takes the form of the systematic deception of would-be investors and/or the outright manipulation of specific financial markets.
The Moskowitz Firm vigorously works to redress the damages inflicted on victims of Securities and Investor Fraud.
How Are Investor Fraud Cases Resolved?
Like any other financial dispute, resolving an act of investor fraud is approached on a case-by-case basis. It could result in a court trial or the perpetrator may consent to a settlement that restores the investor's losses.
How Does FINRA Arbitration Work?
Though not a branch of the government, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) operates as an independent overwatch board, regulating the field of financial brokers and dealers in the US. Much of this work is accomplished through arbitration and mediation services to settle disputes between financial professionals and the investing public.
To seek redress for any perceived malpractice, an investor would begin by filing a claim with FINRA. An "answer" document is generated and returned to the claimant, who has the opportunity to choose an arbitrator from a list supplied by the regulator. What follows is a series of pre-hearing conferences, usually over the telephone, where the pertinent facts of the case are discussed. Formal discovery of information is then heard from both sides. Finally, the hearing is conducted and a decision is announced, awarding restitution (if any).
What Will The Moskowitz Firm Do On My Behalf?
When you turn to the Moskowitz Firm for help, we will review and analyze your filing and advise you of our estimation of the strength of your case. We involve our team of experts from across the financial spectrum to weigh in on your claim.
Once all parties have committed to proceed, a Statement of Claim is then filed with FINRA. There is a discovery process, during which the pertinent facts of the case are established and documented. Moskowitz submits your evidence and makes your case to the arbitration or mediation process.
The Moskowitz Firm is here to represent you and stand by your side during every step of the hearing.
What Are Some Common Types of Securities and Investor Fraud?
Broker misconduct: over-promising on rates of return and under-estimating the risk to the investor; the "too good to be true" syndrome.
Failure to supervise: is when a financial advisor or broker fails to act on your behalf when clearly the circumstances called for such action.
Churning: occurs when a broker initiates minor, meaningless changes to your account in order to generate fees that would not have been otherwise due.
Unsuitability: is when a broker directs a particular investor into a line or instrument of investment that is clearly not suitable for that investor in order to achieve his or her goals.
Breach of fiduciary duty: any lapse in a financial advisor or broker performing for the investor to the standards and principles of the profession as required by law.
Over-concentration: is when a financial advisor or broker concentrates an investor's portfolio on one particular stock or type of instrument to an unnecessarily excessive degree.
Unauthorized trading: when a broker executes a trade without express consent, permission, or authority from the investor.
Mutual fund, bond, or annuity switching: occurs when a broker switches investments without the express consent, permission, or authority of the investor.
Margin claims: involves the unauthorized transfer of money placed as margin on an investment.
Over-concentration of assets: providing an investor with a portfolio overly concentrated in one investment or type of investment.
Ponzi schemes: when "Pie in the sky" returns seem to be coming true for early investors, but in reality, the funds invested by newer investors is being used to fake exceptional dividends for the first batch of investors, thus providing willing testimonials to lure the next wave of investors to part with their money.
What Are Some Securities Fraud or Ponzi Scheme Cases That The Moskowitz Firm Has Led?
The Moskowitz Law Firm enjoys a long record of success, both in the courtroom and in the settlement arena.
Transamerica COI Litigation
A class-action lawsuit against Transamerica Life Insurance Company for $195 million for inappropriate billing practices.
Numerous Force-Placed Insurance Class Action Cases
31 class action lawsuits in 8 years for force-placed insurance activity, on behalf of 5.3 million claimants; resulting in a settlement of $5.9 billion.
Spartan Race “Racer Insurance Fee” Class Action
A $25.6 million settlement from Spartan Race for assessing fraudulent fees on nearly a million claimants.
Scott Rothstein Ponzi Scheme Case
One of the highest-profile cases led by Firm Founding Partner Adam Moskowitz, involved the notorious Ponzi scheme perpetrated by Scott Rothstein, where most of the $1.2 billion invested by his victims was successfully recovered.
If You Need Legal Representation In A Securities or White Collar Case, We Can Help
Plaintiffs across the country have depended on The Moskowitz Firm to be there for them when they’ve suffered from fraud while investing in securities or other investment transactions. We have the experience and expertise to fight for the rights of victims amidst the complex legal world of financial and business litigation.
Contact us for more information.