Stockbrokers and financial advisors are supposed to be trustworthy and honest, even if the market is sometimes unpredictable. When you invest in stocks or put your hard-earned money into a specific fund, there are, of course, certain risks, but your broker owes you duties to protect your assets. While there are no guarantees that an investment will go as you hope it will, stockbroker misconduct is a severe problem in the United States. Unfortunately, brokers and financial advisors are continually taking advantage of innocent people, stealing their funds, or otherwise acting negligently.

Like securities fraud, these types of cases are underreported in the U.S., so we don’t really know how common broker misconduct is. If you believe you were taken advantage of by your financial planner, or if you have reason to suspect broker misconduct, please contact The Meyerson Law Firm today.

Established in 1995, our team of legal experts understand the intricacies of these cases and will do everything we can to support you. With our representation, you will have the opportunity to hold the person(s) responsible for damages accountable. We offer free consultations and are licensed in both Texas and Colorado.

Sadly, broker misconduct happens more often than many people realize. Some common forms of broker negligence in the U.S. include:

• Omission of facts
• Unsuitable or unexplainable investment recommendations
• Material misrepresentation
• Lack of portfolio diversification
• Churning (also known as excessive trading)
• Breach of contract
• Ponzi schemes
• Private placements
• Unauthorized trading
• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Broker negligence
• Margin abuse
• Failure to supervise
• Misappropriation of assets
• Any other form of fraud

Stockbroker misconduct or negligence comes in many different forms, but numerous signs may indicate something is off. The below are warning signs of broker misconduct or negligence:

• Unexplained changes in the composition of your portfolio
• Pressure from your broker to act immediately on an investment
• Numerous trade confirmations arriving by mail at your home
• Large purchases of securities
• Switching between different mutual funds
• Denied access to your accounts
• An under-performing account (according to the stock market)
• A guarantee of return on investment

These are just some of the many signs that may indicate your broker or financial advisor is acting dishonestly or committing fraud. If you notice any of the above, or if you have reason to believe something is amiss, contact The Meyerson Law Firm immediately and ask to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.

If you suspect broker misconduct, consider taking the following actions right away:

• Contact the broker’s supervisor or branch manager to report the problem.
• Contact another broker and ask them to perform an analysis.
• Contact a knowledgeable stockbroker misconduct lawyer.