Category Archives: investment fraud
Boca Raton Pension Fund Class Action Against Manufacturer Proceeds
Publicly traded companies may not make false or misleading statements in order to manipulate their stock price. Federal securities law prohibits “any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance.” U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations more specifically ban “any untrue statement of a material fact” or any omission of material facts which render a company’s… Read More »
Investment Adviser Admits It Failed to Stop Ex-President from Stealing Client Funds
Investment advisers and other professionals who handle investor funds have a legal duty to ensure their employees and agents do not misappropriate those funds for personal use. An investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission must “adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent” violations of federal securities… Read More »
Do You Know the Warning Signs of a Financial Scam?
Financial scammers often target retirees and the elderly. That it is why it is important to understand and identify the potential signs of financial fraud before you lose your life savings. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently issued an Investor Alert cautioning all seniors to look for five “red flags” which may indicate… Read More »
Do You Know Who You Are Investing With?
In a recent Investor Alert, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission warned, “In order to attract unsuspecting investors and gain their trust, fraudsters may boast about credentials they do not have.” Indeed, a key part of many securities fraud schemes is the operator’s ability to mislead investors about his or her expertise and track… Read More »
The Risks of Self-Directed Individual Retirement Accounts
Millions of Americans rely on Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to save for their retirement. IRAs are a type of restricted savings account where the owner receives certain tax benefits. For example, in a traditional IRA, you may contribute a certain amount each year (up to $5,500 if you are under the age of 50)… Read More »
SEC Charges Texas Pair for Misleading Elderly & Retired Investors in Life Settlements
On May 11, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil lawsuit in Texas against two insurance salesman accused of illegally selling “life settlements” to more than two dozen investors, many of them elderly and retired. Life settlements are fractional interests investors purchase in the death benefits payable under a life insurance policy…. Read More »
SEC, U.S. Attorney Prosecute Miami Ponzi Scheme That Targeted Retirees
A Miami resident is facing federal criminal charges for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme targeting retired public sector workers. Phil Donnahue Williamson has already settled civil charges brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, agreeing to repay nearly $750,000 to investors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami separately charged Williamson with investment advisor… Read More »
SEC Charges Atlanta Broker With Defrauding Public Employee Pension Funds
Millions of state and local government employees depend on public pension systems to safeguard their retirement. Florida itself operates the fourth-largest public pension system in the country. And when unethical investment advisers try to take advantage of public pension systems by recommending unsuitable uses for pension funds, workers and retirees may be put at… Read More »
SEC Halts “Prime Bank” Scheme Targeting Construction Industry
On May 14, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil complaint against six individuals and several companies accused of participating in a scheme to sell non-existent financial instruments to unsuspecting investors seeking financing for construction projects. SEC v. North Star Finance LLC According to the SEC’s complaint, in February 2014, Thomas Ellis,… Read More »
Identifying and Protecting Against Elder Financial Abuse
Financial abuse of the elderly is a serious problem in Florida and throughout the country. Many elderly persons exhibit signs of diminished capacity to manage their own finances. Unscrupulous relatives and would-be financial advisers often take advantage of such persons. Planning to Avoid Elder Abuse through Estate Planning In a recent Investor Bulletin, the… Read More »