Securities fraud – also called stock fraud or investment fraud – is the practice of deceiving investors into making sale or purchase decisions on the basis of false information, typically to their financial detriment. A serious white-collar offense that has proliferated significantly since the 1980s, securities fraud results in an estimated $40 billion worth of losses to investors in the United States each year.
The securities fraud attorneys at Burg Simpson proudly provide legal representation to those who have fallen victim to this kind of activity. Burg Simpson was founded in 1977 by champion of the underdog Michael S. Burg and is presently one of the leading plaintiff-side law firms in the country. Our team comprises over 70 seasoned litigators who are exceptionally well-versed in how to successfully pursue securities fraud claims on behalf of both individual and institutional investors. Get started today with a free case evaluation to identify and start building your case!
Types of Securities Fraud
The term “securities fraud” actually encompasses a wide range of deceptive actions that can carry serious civil and criminal penalties – up to and including lengthy prison sentences. At Burg Simpson, the securities fraud attorneys on our litigation team have decades of experience handling the following types of securities fraud cases. To learn more about how we can help you, call us today at 888-895-2080.
Insider Trading
This very common type of securities fraud entails the unlawful trading of securities by certain individuals who possess non-public information about a company’s financial health. An “insider” who either buys or sells a public company’s stock based on material, non-public information can face serious legal consequences.
A well-known recent example of insider trading involved lifestyle entrepreneur and television personality Martha Stewart. In 2004, Stewart received a five-month prison sentence arising out of her involvement in the illegal sale of biopharmaceutical company stock after receiving material, non-public information from her broker. If you believe there is unlawful trading by those with non-public information about the company, call our securities fraud attorneys today at 888-895-2080.
Inaccurate Financial Reporting
Investors in a company, whether public or private, heavily rely on financial reports in their investment decision making. These reports can be a company’s balance sheet, a cash flow statement, or an investor prospectus. Actively misrepresenting what these and other financial reports contain is a form of securities fraud that can land a company or any of its employees in legal hot water.
In early 2019, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission agreed to a $16 million settlement with rental car giant Hertz stemming from an investigation that it had repeatedly filed inaccurate financial statements and disclosures that had mischaracterized the company’s performance. This is an example of securities fraud and a type of matter that our securities fraud attorneys handle.
Third Party Misrepresentation
Another prevalent form of securities fraud is called third party misrepresentation – also referred to as “pump and dump.” This happens when someone buys a large amount a cheap stock and then spreads false information about the company in an effort to raise the stock price. The individual then sells the overvalued stock for a profit.
Arguably the most famous “pump and dump” scheme in American history involved Enron – a now-defunct major corporation that engaged in systemic accounting fraud to artificially boost share value.
How our Securities Fraud Attorneys Can Help
The experienced securities fraud attorneys at Burg Simpson would like you to know that you do legal options as a defrauded investor. Discovering that you might be the victim of an investment scam can be a scary predicament and yet one that our talented securities fraud attorneys can potentially help you get through.
Burg Simpson is a nationally recognized law firm that boasts a proven track record of helping people just like you who are in dire need of sophisticated legal representation.
Contact us Today
Scheduling a free case evaluation with one of the securities fraud attorneys at Burg Simpson is the best way for you and our law firm start a conversation about both the nature of your legal problem and possible next steps to take. Get started by requesting a free case evaluation or call Burg Simpson today at 888-895-2080 or 866-506-3183.
