Category Archives: Securities Fraud
Citigroup Affiliates to Repay Investors $180M After SEC Investigation
On August 17, two affiliates of Citigroup agreed to pay nearly $180 million in restitution and fines to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as part of a settlement arising from two now-defunct hedge funds. According to an SEC administrative order, the two funds misled thousands of investors as to their actual risks. When… Read More »
SEC Sanctions Broker Who Defrauded Investors in Real Estate Company
Many people rely on family and friends for investment advice. While there is nothing wrong with this, it is important to always do your own homework before trusting someone else—even someone you think you know—with your money. Securities fraud schemes often rely on misplaced trust by inexperienced investors. For example, the U.S. Securities and… Read More »
Ex-California Broker Stole Millions from Trust Clients
Many people establish a living trust to manage their assets. A trust is an estate planning device where a person transfers their assets to a trustee. The trustee can be the same person who established the trust or it can be someone else. Whoever the trustee is, he or she must manage the trust… Read More »
SEC Stops Ponzi Scammer Selling Notes in Florida Software Company
Although all Ponzi schemes inevitably collapse, it can be years before investors (or regulators) catch up with the scammer. For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recently charged a Texas man with running a Ponzi scheme for more than a decade. The alleged scheme centered on efforts to raise money for a Florida-based… Read More »
Sales Agents Face Criminal Charges for Role in Football Laser Scam
When people watch an NFL game, they probably are not thinking about securities fraud. Yet a piece of technology designed to improve the fan experience of watching football is at the center of a massive securities fraud scheme that has prompted multiple civil and criminal prosecutions. In the latest development, a federal grand jury… Read More »
Alleged New York Insurance Scammers Face Civil, Criminal Charges
Insurance is often a vehicle for securities fraud. Scam artists lure investors with the promise of easy profits earned through the sale of various insurance products. But those promises often do not translate into reality, leaving investors to pick up the pieces. SEC v. Griffin The SEC recently charged two men with running just… Read More »
SEC Obtains Judgment Against Ex-Radio Host Who Ran Real Estate Ponzi Scheme
On July 17, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission obtained a civil judgment against two individuals who cheated investors and lenders out of nearly $7 million through a fraudulent real estate investment scheme. The SEC said the pair, together with a third person, “misappropriated millions of dollars raised from investors through the fraudulent sale… Read More »
Court Says Bankrupt Ex-Broker Must Still Pay Back Cheated Clients
When stockbrokers commit fraud, their affected clients and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission can recover damages through the courts. But what happens when the broker files for bankruptcy in an effort to get around such civil judgments? A recent decision by a Philadelphia appeals court offers one answer. SEC v. Bocchino Steven Bocchino… Read More »
Is Your Investment Advisor Really “Conflict-Free”?
Investment advisors have a legal obligation to disclose any conflicts of interest which may affect their clients’ accounts. All registered investment advisors must file a disclosure statement, known as Form ADV, with the SEC and state regulators describing any brochures or other solicitations used to attract clients. Form ADV must include any statements regarding… Read More »
SEC, California Prosecutors Expose $2.6 Million Ponzi Scheme
Investors should always be cautious when dealing with unregistered investment advisors. Registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and state officials are important tools that provide investors with access to critical information. It is far too easy for scammers to lure unsuspecting investors with fake credentials and non-existent investment products. SEC v. Moore… Read More »
