Tag: stock attorneys

Former Merrill Lynch Broker Thomas Buck Barred by FINRA Over Numerous Allegations of Misrepresentations and Misconduct

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According to FINRA’s Disciplinary and Other FINRA Actions publication, former top Merrill Lynch Broker Thomas Buck (CRD #1024868) of Indianapolis, Indiana, was barred by FINRA over numerous allegations of engaging in misrepresentations and other misconduct in the handling of customer accounts.

Allegations stated that Buck held customer assets in commission-based accounts rather than fee-based accounts in order to generate higher revenues. According to FINRA, registered representatives are required to assess the comparative costs to customers of commission-based or fee-based accounts, and discuss those alternatives with their customers, which Buck failed to do. FINRA alleges that Buck not only failed to fully assess the suitability of the fee structure for certain clients, but in fact decided to use commission-based accounts despite knowing that it would have been less expensive for those clients to maintain fee-based accounts. As such, Buck allegedly misled customers regarding the relative costs of commission-based or fee-based trading for their accounts, in order to keep them in higher-cost commission-based accounts.

Furthermore, allegations also stated that Buck exercised discretion and made unauthorized trades in customer accounts without prior authorization from the customers or his member firm, Merrill Lynch. Allegedly, Buck placed trades in customer accounts without obtaining his customers’ consent in advance or even after placing the trade, exercised discretionary authority without obtaining authorization, and placed trades which he assumed the customers would want without obtaining their authorization to do so. As a result of engaging in such conduct, Buck, according to FINRA, directly violated FINRA rules and his obligation to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade

According to a recently published InvestmentNews Article, Buck has been Merrill Lynch’s top broker in Indiana since at least 2009, overseeing approximately $1.3 billion in assets. Since that time, Buck has allegedly pursued unethical and improper business practices which generated increased revenues and commissions, which in turn enhanced his status as a top-producing broker. Buck has accrued nearly a dozen customer complaints for unsuitable investments and unauthorized trading.

According to FINRA’s Broker Check, Thomas Buck (CRD #1024868) has been permanently barred by FINRA from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sell securities to the public. Buck was registered in the securities industry for thirty three (33) years, and was registered with the following firm(s):

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
CRD #31194
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Registered with this firm since 04/2015

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
CRD #7691
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
12/1981 – 04/2015

If you have suffered investment losses as a result of your broker’s or brokerage firm’s misconduct, contact the Hanley Law to discuss your legal options. The Hanley Law is dedicated to helping investors nationwide. If you have lost money as a result of your broker’s recommendations, you may be entitled to recover your investment losses. Contact our office toll free at (239) 649-0050 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Former Alabama Advisor, Keith Rogers, Barred by FINRA After Allegations of Theft

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According to FINRA’s Disciplinary and Other FINRA Actions publication and the State of Alabama, Keith Michael Rogers (CRD No. 4987615), a former Alabama Financial Advisor, was the subject of a Cease and Desist Order based on allegations that Rogers engaged in selling away, the sale of unregistered securities, unauthorized fund transfers and conversion. (See Administrative Order No. CD-2014-0016) FINRA further alleged that Rogers misappropriated funds by improperly diverting funds from the bank accounts of certain customers to an account he controlled. (See FINRA AWC No. 2014041532601)

According to FINRA’s Broker Check, Keith Michael Rogers has been permanently barred from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sell securities to the public. Rogers was registered in the securities industry for seven (7) years, and was registered with the following firm(s):

G.L.S & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CRD #47502
HUNTSVILLE, AL
01/2006 – 01/2013

G.L.S. & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CRD #47502
HUNTSVILLE, AL
01/2006 – 01/2006

If you have suffered investment losses as a result of your broker’s or brokerage firm’s misconduct, contact the Hanley Law to discuss your legal options. The Hanley Law is dedicated to helping investors nationwide. If you have lost money as a result of your broker’s recommendations, you may be entitled to recover your investment losses. Contact our office toll free at (239) 649-0050 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Broker Tricia Willis Barred for Allegedly Misappropriating Client’s Funds and Forging Signatures

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According to FINRA’s Disciplinary and Other FINRA Actions publication, former Connecticut broker Tricia Denise Willis aka Tricia Denis Liparelli (CRD No.5703572) was barred by FINRA for allegedly converting a client’s funds from a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that the customer maintained at People’s Bank, and for signing the client’s name on withdrawal slips without authorization.

FINRA alleged that Willis withdrew $2,500 from the customer’s HELOC by preparing four (4) withdrawal slips, signing the customer’s name on the slips, and processing them at Willis’ own teller window at the Bank. FINRA alleged that Willis withdrew an additional $17,400 from the client’s HELOC by preparing twenty eight (28) additional withdrawal slips without authorization, and used those funds for her own personal use and benefit. (See FINRA AWC No. 20130392989)

According to FINRA’s Broker Check, Tricia Denise Willis has been permanently barred from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sell securities to the public. Willis was registered in the securities industry for three (3) years, and was registered with the following firm(s):

PEOPLE’S SECURITIES, INC.
CRD #13704
WILLIMANTIC, CT
01/2010 – 12/2013

If you have suffered investment losses as a result of your broker’s or brokerage firm’s misconduct, contact the Hanley Law to discuss your legal options. The Hanley Law is dedicated to helping investors nationwide. If you have lost money as a result of your broker’s recommendations, you may be entitled to recover your investment losses. Contact our office toll free at (239) 649-0050 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Former Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo Advisors Broker Barred by FINRA for Alleged Conversion of Clients’ Funds

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According to FINRA’s Disciplinary and Other FINRA Actions publication, Tammy Charlene Petersen (CRD No. 4161501), a former Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo Advisors broker based out of Virginia, was barred by FINRA for the conversion of Clients’ funds for her personal benefit.

FINRA alleged that Petersen converted approximately $107,378 from her member firm clients for her personal benefit without the clients’ knowledge or consent. Peterson allegedly facilitated wire transfers from customers’ bank accounts to accounts that she controlled. (See FINRA AWC No. 20140438720)

According to FINRA’s Broker Check, Peterson has been permanently barred from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with firms that sell securities to the public. Tammy Charlene Petersen (aka Tammy Charlene Barber and Tammy Charlene Broussard) was registered with the securities industry for twelve (12) years with the following firm(s):

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH, INC.
CRD #7691
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
11/2010 – 11/2014

WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC
CRD #19616
NORFOLK, VA
09/2009 – 01/2010

WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC
CRD #19616
NORFOLK, VA
06/2004 – 08/2009

AMERICAN FUNDS DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
CRD # 6247
LOS ANGELES, CA
07/2000 – 05/2003

If you have suffered financial losses as a result of your broker’s or brokerage firm’s misconduct, contact the Hanley Law to discuss your legal options. The Hanley Law is dedicated to helping investors nationwide who have been victims of securities fraud. If you have been a victim of securities fraud, you may be entitled to recover your investment losses. Contact the Hanley Law toll free at (239) 649-0050 for a complimentary initial consultation.

Common Sales Pitches Used in Investment Scams

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The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a new Investor Alert called Avoiding Investment Scams which describes common sales pitches used in investment scams.

Investment fraudsters make their living by making sure the investments they pitch sound good and true. Additionally, fraudsters tailor their pitches to the investor by first gaining background information on the investor and using that information to lure them in. FINRA has identified the following five (5) most common sales pitch tactics:

  1. Phantom Riches Tactic: Entice investors with promises of wealth.
    2. Source Credibility Tactic: Build credibility with claims of having expertise, experience and being from a reputable firm.
    3. Social Consensus Tactic: Lead investors to believe that other savvy investors have already invested.
    4. Reciprocity Tactic: Offer to do a small favor for investor in return for the investor doing a large favor.
    5. Scarcity Tactic: Create a false sense of urgency by claiming limited supply of product.

If you and have suffered investment losses, please contact the Hanley Law to explore your legal options. The Hanley Law is dedicated to helping investors who have been victims of securities fraud. If you have lost money as a result of securities fraud, you may be able to recover your financial losses. Contact us today toll free at (239) 649-0050 for a free initial consultation.

FINRA Issues New Investor Alert, Avoiding Investment Scams

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The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a new Investor Alert called Avoiding Investment Scams which describes common types of tactics employed by fraudsters to solicit investors. FINRA advises of the following seven (7) red flags investors should look out for:

  1. Guarantees: Be wary of anyone who predicts how investments will perform.
    2. Unregistered Products: Many investments scams involve unlicensed individuals selling unregistered products.
    3. Overly Consistent Returns: Investments that provide steady returns regardless of current market conditions.
    4. Complex Strategies: Avoid anyone who cannot clearly explain their investment technique.
    5. Missing Documentation: A stock should have a prospectus or offering circular, if not the product may be unregistered.
    6. Account Discrepancies: Unauthorized trades, missing funds or other problems with your account statements could indicate churning or fraud.
    7. Pushy Salesperson: No reputable investment professional should push you to make an immediate decision about an investment.

If you and have suffered investment losses, please contact the Hanley Law to explore your legal options. The Hanley Law is dedicated to helping investors who have been victims of securities fraud. If you have lost money as a result of securities fraud, you may be able to recover your financial losses. Contact us today toll free at (239) 649-0050 for a free initial consultation.