Millions of Americans participate in the investment market each day, whether by owning stock, purchasing currency, or trading. When an individual or company attempts to illegally manipulate this market, the person who suffers injury can bring a securities fraud action against the perpetrator. While perpetrators could include a wide range of actors including stockbrokers, private investors, and financial advisors, activities that may fall under the banner of securities fraud cover an even wider range of offenses including the following:
- Pyramid schemes
- Foreign currency fraud
- Hedge fund-related fraud
- Embezzlement
- Ponzi schemes
- Insider trading
- Advanced fee schemes
Questions of securities fraud arise when something beyond the market itself, such as an overly aggressive stockbroker or fraudulent acts committed by a corporation, causes financial injury. Securities fraud does not cover losses caused by normal market forces. For example, the U.S. Justice Department’s investigations into insider trading have found that such an activity hurts market confidence, cheats investors, and victimizes companies. While there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of securities fraud, when it does happen, you need attorneys you can trust to handle the complex nature of securities fraud litigation.
