Securities fraud, also known as stock fraud and investment fraud, is a deceptive practice in the stock or commodities markets that induces investors to make purchase or sale decisions on the basis of false information, frequently resulting in losses, in violation of securities laws. Offers of risky investment opportunities to unsophisticated investors who are unable to evaluate risk adequately and cannot afford loss of capital is a central problem.
Securities fraud can also include outright theft from investors (embezzlement by stockbrokers), stock manipulation, misstatements on a public company’s financial reports, and lying to corporate auditors. The term encompasses a wide range of other actions, including insider trading, front running and other illegal acts.
“Stockbroker fraud” includes theft, lying and deceit, but it also includes other types of wrongdoing, such as churning, unauthorized transactions, unsuitable investments and other acts of greed, incompetence and negligence by stockbrokers, financial planners and others in the securities industry.
Given our extensive experience, the attorneys and staff at the Law Office of Hanley Law can quickly determine the merits of potential claims. As our firm works on a contingency fee basis, we only pursue claims when we believe there is a reasonably high probability of success.
At Hanley Law, we typically work on a contingency or success fee basis when filing arbitration claims, meaning our firm’s interests are closely aligned with our clients. Clients may be responsible for filing fees which vary based upon the complexity of the claim. All legal fees and costs will be explained in advance. During the initial free consultation an attorney from our firm will discuss the merits of your claim with you in detail.