Investment Theft
If you’ve fallen victim to investment theft, you’re not alone. Many people trust financial professionals with their hard-earned money, only to discover they’ve been deceived.
At Varnavides Law, we stand with investors like you. We help you fight back against fraud, unsuitable investments, and breaches of trust.
Our experienced team provides clear guidance and dedicated support to pursue recovery of what you’ve lost. With a focus on securities litigation and arbitration, we’re here to assess your case and pursue the best outcome.
What is Investment Theft?
Investment theft happens when a financial professional or firm takes advantage of your trust to steal or misuse your money. This can include outright theft, like unauthorized withdrawals, or more subtle forms like misleading you into bad investments for their gain.
Under securities laws, these acts often violate rules set by bodies like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
As an investment theft attorney, Gary sees cases where brokers or advisors breach their fiduciary duty—the legal obligation to act in your best interest. This isn’t just a mistake; it’s often fraud that leads to significant losses.
For example, if your advisor recommends high-risk investments without explaining the dangers, or hides fees that eat into your returns, you may have a claim. Our goal at Varnavides Law is to hold these wrongdoers accountable and help you recover through arbitration or court.
Investment theft is a form of securities fraud, which can be civil or criminal. Investors like you deserve justice, and we’re committed to providing a straightforward path forward.
Common Types of Investment Theft and Fraud
Investment fraud comes in many forms, but all share a common thread: deception for personal gain. Based on our experience representing professional investors, here are the most frequent types we handle:
- Ponzi Schemes: Scammers use money from new investors to pay “returns” to earlier ones, creating the illusion of profit. When it collapses, victims lose everything.
- Churning: Brokers make excessive trades in your account to generate commissions, ignoring your needs and eroding your investments through fees.
- Unauthorized Trading: Your advisor buys or sells without your permission, often leading to unsuitable investments that don’t match your risk tolerance.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Advisors fail to put your interests first, such as recommending products that benefit them more than you.
- Misrepresentation or Omission: Hiding key risks or lying about an investment’s potential, like claiming a high-yield bond is “safe” when it’s not.
- Theft or Embezzlement: Direct stealing, such as transferring funds from your account without consent.
- Unsuitable Investments: Pushing products that don’t fit your goals, age, or financial situation, like aggressive stocks for a retiree seeking stability.
These issues often overlap. For instance, a broker might churn your account while omitting risks, leading to major losses. As your securities fraud attorney, Gary Varnavides investigates these details to build a strong case.
Signs You've Been a Victim of Investment Theft
Recognizing investment theft early can help you act fast. Here are key warning signs from our cases:
- Unexpected losses in your portfolio despite a stable market.
- High fees or commissions that seem excessive.
- Pressure to invest in “exclusive” opportunities with guaranteed high returns.
- Difficulty accessing your account statements or getting straight answers from your advisor.
- Unauthorized changes or trades in your account.
- Investments that don’t align with your stated goals (e.g., conservative vs. high-risk).
- Delays in withdrawals or excuses about why you can’t access your money.
If any of these sound familiar, contact an investment fraud lawyer right away. At Varnavides Law, we offer a free assessment to review your situation.
How Investment Theft Affects Investors
The impact of investment theft goes beyond money. Investors often face financial ruin, like depleted retirement savings or inability to pay bills. Emotionally, it can cause stress, distrust, and anxiety about the future. We’ve seen families struggle after losing life savings to a trusted advisor’s fraud.
Legally, investors have rights. Securities laws protect you, and with the right broker theft attorney, you can pursue compensation for losses, interest, and sometimes attorney fees.
Note that this content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.
Legal Options for Recovery
Recovering from investment theft involves specific paths. Most cases go through FINRA arbitration, a faster alternative to court where we present evidence before neutral arbitrators.
We’ve handled numerous arbitrations nationwide, advocating strongly for victims of unsuitable investments and fraud.
If arbitration isn’t required, we may file in court for securities fraud claims. Options include:
- FINRA Claims: For disputes with registered brokers.
- SEC Complaints: Reporting fraud, which can lead to investigations.
- Civil Lawsuits: Seeking damages for breach of duty or theft.
Time limits apply—so act quickly. As your investment theft attorney, Gary guides you through these options with clear steps.
Why Choose Varnavides Law as Your Investment Theft Attorney
Our founder, Gary Varnavides, brings singular dedication to achieving the best results, drawing from securities law expertise and his real-world experience as a business owner.
This unique perspective allows us to understand the full impact of financial fraud on your investments and fight effectively on your behalf. We’ve represented investors across the U.S. in arbitration and court, handling cases of unauthorized investments, breaches, and outright theft.
What sets us apart:
- Experience: Extensive securities litigation experience.
- Empathy: We understand your pain and provide supportive, clear communication.
- Results: Proven track record in recovering losses.
- Nationwide Reach: Licensed to help victims anywhere.
Unlike larger firms, we give personal attention. We’re not just lawyers—we’re advocates for justice.
Our Process: How We Help Investors Recover Losses
We make the process simple:
- Initial Consultation: Free review of your case. Share details; we listen and assess.
- Investigation: Gather statements, analyze trades, and identify fraud.
- Claim Filing: Prepare and file in FINRA or court.
- Negotiation/Arbitration: Seek settlements or argue your case.
- Recovery: Secure compensation and close the matter.
Throughout, we keep you informed. Most cases resolve without a full trial, but we’re ready if needed.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve suffered from investment theft, don’t wait. Varnavides Law is here to fight for you.
Contact us today for a free, confidential assessment. We’ll provide a clear path to justice and help reclaim your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between investment theft and investment fraud?
Investment theft often involves direct stealing, like unauthorized withdrawals, while fraud includes deception like misrepresentations. Both can lead to claims; we handle them as your securities fraud attorney.
Can I recover losses from a Ponzi scheme?
Many investors can pursue recovery through arbitration or lawsuits against involved parties, depending on the specifics. We’ve helped people in similar cases explore these options.
What if my advisor wasn't registered?
You may still have options under state laws. We evaluate unregistered investment fraud claims.
What evidence do I need for a claim?
Account statements, communications, and trade confirmations help. We guide you on gathering more.
Is FINRA arbitration better than court?
It’s often faster and less costly. We recommend based on your case.
