Stock Fraud Attorney: When A Broker Breaks Your Trust

If you suspect that something has gone wrong with your investments, it may be time to consider consulting with a stock fraud attorney. While your broker or financial advisor can't guarantee you success or even financial gain, they do have a duty to keep your best interests in mind, follow instructions, and trade within the law. People with little experience are too often intimidated to question changes in their portfolio, assuming that their advisor is doing their duty. With the rise of Internet trading and greater information availability, more people are investing and subsequently white-collar crimes are rising.

Identifying misconduct can be difficult as there are several different types of activities considered fraudulent, and a savvy criminal can easily conceal them. However, even if you're unsure of what the actual transgression is, a stock fraud attorney can help you identify the main issues through investigation. One of the most common reasons may actually not even seem like a crime to some people, which could be why it is becoming increasingly prevalent. If you invest and suddenly lose the majority of your funds, it isn't simply a case of bad luck. The market isn't exactly comparable to Las Vegas. Your advisor or broker has a duty towards clients to make sound decisions regarding your investment. A sudden, great loss can be attributed to several reasons such as lack of diversity, several risky investments, and not getting authorization from the client before making a transaction. All of these are examples of potentially fraudulent behavior, depending on the instructions you have given your advisor. You have a right to file a claim against someone who abused your finances in this manner.

Additional forms of fraudulent behavior include selling fake shares, internet spam messages and newsletters that advertise falsely inflated holdings, insider trading, micro cap schemes (penny shares are common), and short selling. It is estimated that there has been over a 40% increase in reported scams recently, which costs a staggering $40 billion per year in losses. Class action lawsuits are becoming more prominent, so if you believe that several people have been affected by an incident or particular broker, this can be a more successful course of action.

There are several measures you can take to protect yourself against such fraudulent behavior in the future. Finding a reputable advisor or broker is important, and while the Internet can yield some excellent information, it is also rife with scam artists. Be sure to have several phone interviews with a potential advisor before handing over any money. Just because you choose a larger, well-known firm won't guarantee safety either. Individuals within these firms have access to a plethora of valuable client information, making it easier for them to manipulate investors. Financial predators, however, share many similar characteristics including exaggeration of profit and results, and insistence of low starting costs. They will also attempt to convince investors of minimized risks, when in fact the opposite is often true. If it sounds too easy and fast, it isn't worth the gamble. If you do believe you've been swindled, don't hesitate to contact a stock fraud attorney.