Investment Fraud

Investment advisors, such as stockbrokers, money managers and financial planners, owe a fiduciary duty to their clients — the highest duty of trust recognized by the law. This means that an investment advisor must advise clients solely in the client's best interest. Just as the individual investment advisor owes a fiduciary duty to their client, so too does the brokerage firm employing that investment advisor. Additionally, mutual funds, corporations, and other institutions owe fiduciary duties to their investors. When the advisor fails to provide services that meet these standards, they may be guilty of investment fraud.

The Denver law firm of Hillyard, Wahlberg, Kudla & Sloane, LLP has a team of investment fraud lawyers who can successfully litigate your case if you have been the victim of fraud. Our firm has represented many individuals in Colorado and across the country in actions against brokers, brokerage houses, and financial advisors. Among the actions we have taken or are taking on behalf of clients, an investment fraud lawyer from our firm is currently representing clients against Janus Funds and Nations Funds (Bank of America) mutual funds in proposed class action lawsuits.

Types of Investment Fraud

Investment fraud refers to a situation where an investment professional, mutual fund, or corporation intentionally misleads an investor, thereby putting their own interests ahead of the interests of the investors' interests.

A broker is obligated to know their customer and understand their client's investment needs and objectives. They are also obligated to be competent to make recommendations about investments within the parameters of each client's objectives.

Actions which constitute investment fraud include:

• Churning or excessive trading
• Misrepresentation
• Unauthorized trading
• Failure to follow the client's instructions
• Late trading
• Marketing timing
• Unsuitable investments
• And others

These behaviors result in losses to a client's account that are not due to regular market fluctuations, but are due instead to the improper behavior of the investment professional. At our law firm in Denver, an investment fraud attorney can help victims of investment fraud receive compensation for their losses.

In a free consultation, we can analyze your situation, explain your legal options, and discuss your prospects for obtaining compensation.

For a free initial consultation with Hillyard, Wahlberg, Kudla & Sloane, LLP regarding financial advisor or securities fraud, call 800-630-2366 or contact us online.