Investing in the stock market offers great potential, but it also comes with risks. Unfortunately, some financial advisors and brokers engage in unethical practices, causing significant losses. At Bakhtiari & Harrison, our California investment fraud attorneys specialize in securities litigation and FINRA arbitration to help you recover your losses. In essence, we hold Wall Street accountable.
Protect Your Investments from Fraud
Financial advisors and investment professionals must act in your best interest. However, securities fraud cases and negligence can cause substantial financial harm. Our law firm holds these professionals accountable through legal action.
Common Causes of Investment Losses
Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
Advisors should recommend investment strategies that fit your financial goals. Unsuitable investments can lead to lost money and financial instability. Sometimes advisors care more about making money than helping you. They might suggest risky investments that don’t match your comfort level or financial goals. This breach of duty can result in significant financial losses, leaving you with unsuitable investments.
Misrepresentation and Omission
Financial professionals must provide accurate information. Misleading details about investment risks, fees, or potential returns can result in poor decisions. If advisors hide important information or lie, they break your trust and put your financial security at risk. Misrepresentation and omission are serious offenses in securities law, and they can lead to substantial financial losses.
Churning
Excessive trading in your account to generate broker commissions, known as churning, can drain your investment. Brokers who engage in churning prioritize their earnings over your investment strategy, leading to unnecessary transaction fees and losses. This unethical practice not only depletes your investment but also undermines your financial goals.
Failure to Diversify
Advisors should help spread your investments to minimize risk. Concentrating investments in one area can lead to significant losses. Diversification is a fundamental principle of sound investment strategy. Advisors who fail to diversify your portfolio expose you to unnecessary risk. This negligence can result in substantial financial harm, especially during market downturns.
Unauthorized Trading
Trading without your consent violates trust and can cause severe financial damage. Unauthorized trading occurs when brokers make transactions without your approval, often to benefit from commissions or manipulate your account. This breach of trust can lead to significant financial losses and undermine your confidence in the financial system.
Legal Protections for California Investors
California has strong securities laws to protect investors from fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and state regulations ensure financial advisors follow ethical practices. These laws aim to protect investors from unethical practices and ensure that financial advisors act in your best interest. When they fail to do so, you have the right to take legal action.
Financial advisors and brokers must follow the rules set by the SEC. They are required to provide accurate information to their clients. They must also disclose any conflicts of interest they may have. Additionally, they are expected to always act in the best interest of their clients.
California state laws, including the California Corporate Securities Law of 1968, provide additional protections for investors. These laws require advisors to register with the state and adhere to strict ethical standards. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) oversees these regulations and investigates cases of securities fraud.
How Bakhtiari & Harrison Can Help
Our law firm excels in securities litigation and FINRA arbitration, helping investors recover their losses. We:
- Identify Fraudulent Activities: We analyze your portfolio to uncover any signs of fraud or negligence. Our team of experienced attorneys examines your investment records, communication with your advisor, and transaction history to identify any misconduct. By thoroughly investigating your case, we build a strong foundation for legal action.
- Pursue Legal Action: We represent you in court and arbitration to recover your lost money. Our attorneys have extensive experience in securities litigation and FINRA arbitration. We dedicate ourselves to holding financial advisors and brokers accountable for their actions and recovering your losses.
- Protect Senior Investors: We focus on protecting elderly clients from financial exploitation. Unethical advisors often target seniors because of their accumulated wealth and potential lack of financial knowledge. Our firm is committed to safeguarding seniors from fraud and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
Our Process
At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we follow a comprehensive process to ensure the best outcome for our clients. Our process includes:
- Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and understand your concerns. During this consultation, we gather information about your investments, advisor interactions, and any signs of misconduct.
- Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation of your investment portfolio, advisor communications, and transaction history. Our team identifies any instances of fraud, negligence, or unethical practices.
- Legal Strategy: Based on our findings, we develop a tailored legal strategy to pursue your case. We outline the best course of action, whether it involves filing a lawsuit, pursuing arbitration, or negotiating a settlement.
- Representation: We represent you throughout the legal process, whether in court or arbitration. Our experienced attorneys advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to recover your losses.
- Resolution: We aim to achieve a favorable resolution for our clients, whether through a settlement, arbitration award, or court judgment. Our goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Why Choose Bakhtiari & Harrison
Choosing the right law firm is crucial for recovering your investment losses. Here are a few reasons why Bakhtiari & Harrison stands out:
- Experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience in securities litigation and FINRA arbitration. We have successfully represented numerous clients in complex securities fraud cases.
- Commitment: We dedicate ourselves to protecting investors and holding financial professionals accountable. Our commitment to justice drives us to fight for your rights and recover your losses.
- Expertise: We have experience in securities law and financial fraud. We leverage our knowledge and skills to build strong cases and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
- Personalized Service: We provide personalized service tailored to your unique situation. We take the time to understand your concerns and develop a strategy that meets your needs.
Act to Recover Your Losses
If you have lost money due to broker misconduct, act quickly. The sooner you pursue legal action, the better your chances of recovery. Time is critical in securities fraud cases, as evidence can disappear, and statutes of limitations may expire.
Contact Bakhtiari & Harrison
At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we dedicate ourselves to protecting your investments and helping you recover from financial setbacks. For a free consultation, contact or call us at (310) 499-4732. Let our experienced California investment fraud lawyers guide you through the process and fight for your financial future.