Securities Litigation

STOCKBROKER LAW - Posted on February 20, 2025

Investment fraud and stockbroker fraud takes many different shapes and forms, and most investors don’t know their rights under the Securities Laws. Wrongful trading activity in the accounts of the everyday American investor can include account churning, private placement fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, annuities fraud, stock manipulation, unauthorized trading, and embezzlement. Securities fraud also includes Ponzi schemes, as well as wrongful activity related to retirement and IRA accounts.

In 1987, the United States Supreme Court in the case of Shearson/American Express v. McMahon held that the customers of securities brokerage firms are required to submit their claims to arbitration in circumstances where they have previously signed a contractual agreement to arbitrate disputes, as opposed to pursuing them in the court system. In certain instances, investors can pursue their claims for victimization in the courts. In particular, where an investor has not previously contractually committed to submit such disputes to arbitration, the courts may be an available forum to address these disputes.

We offer a free initial consultation to individuals who feel they may have been victimized in the financial markets by an unscrupulous financial advisor. For a free initial consultation, contact the Law Offices of Timothy J. O’Connor at (518) 426-7700.