Tag Archives: Boca Raton Securities Fraud Lawyers
FBI Arrests Alt Fund Manager on Securities Fraud Charges
A traditional mutual fund buys and holds securities, such as stocks or bonds. But in recent years, many investors have flocked to so-called alternative mutual funds (alt funds), which rely on one or more non-traditional investments or trading strategies. Although similar to hedge funds, alt funds are still considered mutual funds, which means they… Read More »
SEC Charges Broker with Making False Sales of Facebook, Twitter Shares
Many investors hope to strike it big by investing in a hot initial public offering (IPO). But high demand for an IPO can also open the door for unscrupulous brokers to take advantage of investors. Recently the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil lawsuit against a California stockbroker accused of falsely promising… Read More »
SEC Charges New York Real Estate Investor with Securities Fraud
On December 12th, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged a New York man with securities fraud in connection with his now-bankrupt real estate investment company. The SEC claims David L. Fleet, former owner of Cornerstone Homes, Inc., cheated over 300 “mostly elderly, unsophisticated investors” out of more than $16 million. The SEC is… Read More »
Fort Myers Pair Plead Guilty to Criminal Ponzi Scheme
On Dec. 8, the United States Attorney’s office in Miami announced two Fort Myers residents had pleaded guilty to criminal charges in connection with a real estate-based Ponzi scheme. According to prosecutors, Barry J. Graham and Ricky Lynn Stokes took approximately $300 million from 1,400 investors over a four-year period. Graham, Stokes and three… Read More »
Understanding “Master Limited Partnerships”
“Master limited partnerships” are a complicated-sounding investment. And with good reason. MLPs are often advertised as can’t-miss, low-risk securities, but the truth is many investors simply do not understand how they work. A master limited partnership—officially called a “publicly traded partnership” by the Internal Revenue Service—basically combines the legal structure of a limited partnership… Read More »
Federal Prosecutors Charge Operator of Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme
On Nov. 6, the United States Attorney’s office in Manhattan charged Trendon Shavers with securities fraud in connection with his defunct Bitcoin Savings & Trust, an alleged Ponzi scheme targeting users of the popular virtual currency Bitcoin. Shavers was arrested at his home in Texas. Back in August, a federal judge rejected Shavers’ argument… Read More »
FINRA Urges Focus on “Concentration Risk”
No two investors are the same. They have different income goals, different risk tolerances, and different time horizons—among other differentiating factors. Indeed, one of the most common ways in which investors and brokers get into disputes with each other is through complaints of “unsuitability.” This is an argument by the investor that his or… Read More »
Eleventh Circuit Reaffirms “Flexible” Approach to Securities Class Actions
One of the most powerful tools in investors’ arsenals against securities fraud is the securities class action. In these types of cases, many plaintiffs join together on behalf of themselves and others allegedly harmed. A class action allows plaintiffs to pool litigation resources, and be represented by one or more attorneys, instead of each… Read More »
FINRA Criticized for Being Lenient on Financial Brokers
On May 29, 2014, one of five Commissioners of the Securities and Exchange Commission gave a speech to FINRA’s Division of Market Regulation. While the SEC is the final government regulator of the country’s securities industry, FINRA—or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority—is a key player in U.S. markets. FINRA is not itself a government… Read More »
Federal Agencies Focus on South Florida Securities Fraud
In December 2010, several federal government agencies began cooperating with each other to combat securities fraud. Known as the “Southern District of Florida Securities and Investment Fraud Initiative,” or just “the Initiative,” this effort has had tremendous success in the last three-and-a-half years. Recently, the Initiative reported that eighty-five defendants have been charged since… Read More »
