Financial Fraud
Protecting Investors, Professionals, and Businesses from Financial Deception
Financial fraud is more than just a loss of money — it’s a breach of trust. Whether the wrongdoing comes from a trusted financial advisor, a brokerage firm, a business partner, or an investment promoter, the damage can be devastating. Victims often face not just economic loss, but emotional stress, reputational harm, and uncertainty about the future.
At Varnavides Law, PC, we fight to hold wrongdoers accountable. With over a decade of experience in securities litigation, arbitration, and financial fraud disputes, Gary Varnavides brings a unique combination of courtroom skill, industry knowledge, and relentless advocacy. We help clients recover losses, navigate regulatory proceedings, and restore their financial footing.
Why You Need a Financial Fraud Attorney
Financial fraud cases are often complex. Wrongdoers go to great lengths to hide misconduct, obscure records, and create plausible cover stories. Banks, brokers, and corporations have legal teams whose job is to limit their liability. Without skilled legal representation, victims can find themselves at a disadvantage.
A financial fraud attorney can:
- Investigate hidden transactions using subpoenas and expert financial analysis.
- Navigate the legal forum best suited for your claim — whether that’s FINRA arbitration, state court, or federal court.
- Pursue regulatory remedies by engaging with the SEC or FINRA when misconduct violates securities laws.
- Negotiate settlements that fairly compensate you without unnecessary delays.
- Take cases to trial when the other side refuses to take responsibility.
Our job is to level the playing field and give you the best chance at recovering what was taken from you.
Why Choose Varnavides Law
- Dual-Licensed in New York & California – Serving clients across both coasts and in select nationwide arbitration cases.
- Securities & Fraud Focused – Over a decade spent litigating and arbitrating financial disputes gives us a deep understanding of how fraud happens and how to prove it.
- Insider Perspective – We know how financial institutions defend these cases, and we use that insight to anticipate and counter their strategies.
- Personalized, Attorney-Driven Service – You’ll work directly with Gary Varnavides from consultation to resolution — no handoffs to junior staff.
- Proven Results – Successfully recovered funds for investors, secured favorable settlements in arbitration, and defended clients under investigation.
Types of Financial Fraud We Handle
Financial fraud takes many forms. We represent clients in cases involving:
Securities Fraud
When a broker, investment advisor, or company misrepresents or omits important information in the sale of securities, investors can suffer substantial losses. This includes false statements about risks, company performance, or investment returns.
Unauthorized or Unsuitable Investments
Brokers have a duty to recommend investments appropriate for your financial goals and risk tolerance. If they make trades without your permission or push high-risk products that don’t fit your profile, they may be liable.
Ponzi & Pyramid Schemes
These schemes promise high returns with little or no risk, using funds from new investors to pay earlier investors. They eventually collapse, leaving participants with losses.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
When financial advisors, trustees, or corporate officers put their own interests ahead of yours, they violate a legal duty of loyalty and care.
Accounting Fraud & Embezzlement
Fraudulent financial reporting, hidden liabilities, or theft of corporate assets can harm shareholders, employees, and partners.
Corporate & Partnership Fraud
Misuse of company funds, self-dealing transactions, or concealment of material facts in business dealings can all amount to fraud.
Our Legal Approach to Financial Fraud Cases
We approach each case with precision and strategy.
- Initial Case Evaluation
We begin with a thorough consultation, reviewing your documents, communications, and financial records. We identify possible causes of action and assess the strength of your claim. - Evidence Collection & Analysis
Gathering records is critical. We obtain account statements, trade confirmations, email correspondence, internal company documents, and expert reports to uncover misconduct. - Identifying the Best Forum
Many investor disputes go through FINRA arbitration. Others belong in state or federal court. We decide the forum that maximizes your leverage and potential recovery. - Building the Case Narrative
Jurors and arbitrators respond to clear stories. We craft a compelling narrative showing how the fraud occurred, who is responsible, and why you are entitled to damages. - Pursuing Recovery
We aim for maximum recovery through settlement, arbitration awards, or court judgments. We’re prepared to take cases all the way to trial when necessary.
Common Red Flags for Financial Fraud
- Promises of unusually high or “guaranteed” returns.
- Pressure to invest quickly without time for review.
- Complex investment strategies with unclear risks.
- Missing or altered account statements.
- Transactions you did not authorize.
- Resistance to providing documentation or explanations.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to seek legal advice immediately.
The Financial Fraud Case Process
- Consultation – Discuss your situation and receive an initial assessment.
- Document Review – We analyze account statements, contracts, and communications.
- Filing the Claim – We prepare and file your case in the proper forum.
- Discovery & Evidence Exchange – Each side exchanges evidence and takes witness testimony.
- Motions & Hearings – We handle procedural and substantive motions to strengthen your case.
- Settlement Talks – We negotiate from a position of strength.
- Final Resolution – Your case concludes through settlement, arbitration award, or court judgment.
Contact Varnavides Law Today
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of financial fraud, act quickly. Evidence can disappear and legal deadlines may pass. We offer free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case.
Varnavides Law, PC – Standing up for victims of financial fraud in New York, California, and across the country in select arbitration matters.
Practice Areas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is financial fraud?
Financial fraud is the intentional deception or misrepresentation designed to secure unlawful financial gain. In the investment context, it can include false statements, concealed risks, unauthorized transactions, or misuse of funds.
How do I know if I have a case?
If you suffered financial losses because someone misled you, failed to disclose material facts, or acted without authorization, you may have a claim. The best way to find out is through a consultation.
What types of damage can I recover?
You may recover your actual losses, interest, legal costs, and in some cases punitive damages if the conduct was egregious.
Is there a time limit for filing?
Yes. Deadlines depend on the claim type and forum. Securities fraud claims often have a two- to five-year limit. Delays can hurt your case.
What’s the difference between civil and criminal fraud?
Civil fraud seeks compensation for victims; criminal fraud involves prosecution by the government and can result in fines or imprisonment for the wrongdoer.
Can I pursue both arbitration and court?
It depends on your contracts. Brokerage agreements often require arbitration, but some claims may still be brought in court.
