what kind of lawyer do i call if someone steals investment

What should I do if someone steals from my business?

An investment scam lawyer can investigate what happened to you. If the investigation reveals that you have been the victim of financial fraud, then we can fight for your recovery through a …

Can a partner or co-owner be accused of stealing money?

Jan 03, 2022 · The stockbroker and investment fraud lawyers at Sonn Law Group dedicate their entire practice to protecting the interests of investors who have lost money as a result of the …

Is your financial advisor stealing money from you?

Nov 10, 2016 · Occasionally, employers must deal with the experience of an employee stealing money or property from the business. Not only is it upsetting that your employee stole from …

Can I sue someone for stealing my money?

Jan 04, 2022 · The answer is: Yes, you can sue your financial advisor. You can file an arbitration claim to seek financial compensation when an advisor – or the brokerage firm they work for – …

Preserve Documents, Gather Relevant Evidence

If you were the victim of financial advisor theft, it is imperative that you preserve all of the records and documents that you have that are relat...

Review Your Customer Agreement With Your Financial Advisor

When you first started working with your financial advisor, you likely signed a customer agreement. You need to review the terms of this agreement....

Your Financial Advisor’s Firm May Be Legally Liable for Your Losses

Under federal securities law and securities industry regulations, registered investment firms have a legal duty to supervise their financial adviso...

Get Guidance From an Investor Rights Attorney

You should not go through the investment fraud claims process on your own. As soon as you suspect a problem, you should reach out to an experienced...

Can I Sue My Financial Advisor?

The answer is: Yes, you can sue your financial advisor. You can file an arbitration claim to seek financial compensation when an advisor – or the b...

📉 Suing to recover losses from the 2020 stock market crash

STOCK MARKET CRASH NOTICE: The Sonn Law Group has spoken to folks who’ve suffered extreme losses due to the recent stock market crash that is relat...

What are the Most Common Reasons That Stockbrokers and Financial Advisors Are Sued?

Stockbrokers and financial advisors fail to live up to their professional duties in a variety of ways. In some cases, investor lawsuits and arbitra...

Losing Money is Not Enough to Successfully Sue Your Broker; You Must Prove Fraud or Negligence

If you have lost a large amount of money in an investment, you know how awful it feels. It is stressful, frustrating, and worse yet, it can be fina...

Your Investment Agreement May Contain an Arbitration Clause

In many cases, investors are not technically eligible to file a lawsuit against their stockbroker or financial advisor. This is because the overwhe...

Can I Make My Employee Take A Lie Detector Test?

If you are a private employer without substantial proof that a particular employee is the thief, but you reasonably suspect that you have identified the culprit, you may have the right to subject your employee to a polygraph test in certain circumstances under federal law.

Report The Theft To The Authorities

When you have proof that your employee in fact stole money, you can report the employee to the authorities.

Can I Withhold Pay From the Employee?

Employers cannot withhold employee pay unless there is a specific clause in their employment agreement with the employee that says that this can be done.

Can I Fire My Employee If They Stole From Me?

It’s natural to want to let go of an employee who you suspect stole from you. Because of laws established by Employment at Will , you have a legal right to fire any employee for cause, or for no cause. In this instance it would be considered a for cause scenario.

What is a breach of fiduciary duty?

Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, certain investment professionals, known as registered investment advisors (RIAs), owe fiduciary obligations to their customers. Your RIA must always look out for your best interests.

Is a financial advisor a fiduciary?

Unsuitable Investments: Many financial advisors are not fiduciaries. Instead, they are held to the suitability standard. These stockbrokers and financial advisors can only sell and recommend financial products that are appropriate for a customer’s unique investment profile.

What is excessive trading?

Excessive Trading (Churning): Stockbrokers and financial advisors must have a well-grounded, reasonable basis to execute all trades. Unfortunately, there are cases in which brokers will frequently trade on a customer’s account, simply to increase their own fees. This unlawful practice is known as churning.

Can you hold a broker liable for losing money?

It is also right that the responsible party is held accountable. However, under U.S. federal securities law and FINRA regulations, investors cannot hold brokers legally liable simply because they lost money.

What to do if someone steals your money?

If someone has stolen money and you want him held criminally responsible – and hopefully return the money – you normally need to contact the police to file a complaint. This includes filling out a police report and presenting the evidence that you have. If the stolen money wasn't yours, a less-effective option is to contact the police anonymously.

How to report a theft to the police?

Filing a Police Complaint. To report a theft that has already happened, the best way to contact the police is to call them using a non-emergency number . In many regions you can simply dial 311 and tell the operator you want to report a theft. In most cases, the police will come to you, although if you are a witness, ...

Can you report a crime anonymously?

Reporting the Crime Anonymously. If you do not wish to be involved in an investigation or the subsequent trial, you can report the theft anonymously. Anonymous complaints can alert the police that a crime may have occurred; however, they cannot be used to detain or arrest a suspect or to search his personal property.

How much is a small claims court?

In many areas, small claims court is for cases with an amount in controversy of less than $5,000 to $15,000. You should contact a lawyer before pursuing a legal case against the thief. References.

Who can provide legal advice?

Only an attorney who is familiar with the laws of your state, the local courts, and the facts of your case is can provide you with legal advice. It's always in your best interests to speak to an attorney about your case as soon as you are charged or even investigated for the offense.

What is embezzlement in business?

With embezzlement, a person who is entrusted to manage or control someone else's property uses that property inappropriately, and to the person's own benefit. An employee who uses company property for his personal projects commits embezzlement. Embezzlement can encompass both money and other forms of property. Misappropriation.

Is the internet secure?

The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. Ever since the invention of money, thieves have developed any number of ways to steal money that doesn't belong to them. In some situations, the would-be thief already has possession of the money because ...

What are the most common forms of theft?

Larceny, Embezzlement, Misappropriation. Misappropriation of funds is one type of theft. Here are the common forms of theft crimes: Larceny. When most people think of theft, they think of someone taking property that belongs to someone else, such as stealing a bicycle.

What does the prosecutor have to show?

The prosecutor must show that the owner of the property, whether it's a person, organization, or group, entrusted or gave the money to the defendant, or otherwise allowed the defendant control over it. In short, the defendant rightfully had possession, but not ownership. Intent.

How much is a misdemeanor fine?

Misdemeanor convictions typically have fines of $1,000 or less, while felony convictions can exceed $10,000. Probation. Probation sentences are also possible with misappropriation convictions, though the possibility of probation depends on the circumstances surrounding the conviction and state laws.

What happens if you don't meet probation?

A person on probation who fails to meet the conditions can be sentenced to a jail or prison sentence.

What is securities fraud?

Definition of securities fraud, a crime in which a corporate officer, for example, makes misleading statements about the company’s stock performance or discloses confidential information related to its stock.

Is wire fraud a federal crime?

Wire fraud is a federal crime with serious potential consequences. Insurance fraud is stealing. Simply put, insurance fraud is lying for the purpose of getting more money from an insurance company, whether it is auto insurance, life insurance, or any other kind of insurance. There are two types of insurance fraud: soft and hard fraud.

What is fraud and financial crimes?

Fraud and financial crimes are a form of theft/larceny that occur when a person or entity takes money or property, or uses them in an illicit manner, with the intent to gain a benefit from it. These crimes typically involve some form of deceit, subterfuge or the abuse of a position of trust, ...

What is debit card fraud?

Debit and credit card fraud also occurs when an individual has an intent to fraudulently obtain money, goods, or services by using the access card of a cardholder who has not authorized its use. Common examples of credit or debit card fraud include using someone else's credit or debit card without that person's consent, ...

What is wire fraud?

Wire Fraud. The crime of wire fraud occurs when someone voluntarily and intentionally uses an interstate communications device (such as a telephone or the internet) as a part of any scheme to defraud another of property, or anything else of value. For example, if you try to sell property you do not own, and in your attempt you use ...

What is insurance fraud?

Simply put, insurance fraud is lying for the purpose of getting more money from an insurance company, whether it is auto insurance, life insurance, or any other kind of insurance. There are two types of insurance fraud: soft and hard fraud. An example of soft fraud is getting into a motorcycle accident and claiming your injuries are worse ...

What are the two types of insurance fraud?

There are two types of insurance fraud: soft and hard fraud. An example of soft fraud is getting into a motorcycle accident and claiming your injuries are worse than they really are for financial gain. An example of hard fraud would be getting into that same motorcycle accident on purpose so that you can claim the insurance money.

What is a business partner?

A business partner can have different relative meanings, the most frequent being two or more persons who play a significant role together owning, managing, or creating a company. Another form of a business partnership is two entities or businesses that cooperate together with a contractual working relationship.

What is embezzlement in business?

Embezzlement: Embezzlement is the act of wrongfully appropriating funds that have been entrusted into that person’s care, but which are owned by the business or someone else. Embezzlement is a specific type of fraud, which is defined as "knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact”.

What is a trade secret?

Intellectual Property and Theft of Trade Secrets: Trade secrets may include customer lists, product designs, business plans, computer software, technical know-how, manufacturing processes, formulas, or other. When trade secrets or other types of intellectual property are taken without permission, and their use is not in the best interests ...

What is trade secret theft in Texas?

Intellectual Property and Theft of Trade Secrets: Trade secrets may include customer lists, product designs, business plans, computer software, technical know-how, manufacturing processes, formulas, or other. When trade secrets or other types of intellectual property are taken without permission, and their use is not in the best interests of the company, this is considered misappropriation of trade secrets. Texas law provides remedies to businesses that can help them take civil legal action. Additionally, Texas enforces laws which subject misappropriators to criminal penalties, should they obtain trade secrets through dishonest or wrongful means.

What is breach of fiduciary duty?

Breach of fiduciary duty: Within the scope of the relationship, business Partners are under a duty to act for the benefit of one another. Since business partners are considered fiduciaries, a breach of fiduciary duty is when a fiduciary abuses or falls below the standard im posed on them when they are acting from a position of trust.

What happens if a company breaches its fiduciary duty?

The breach of fiduciary duty on the part of the thief also put your company at risk, and the resulting damages to the company’s performance and any financial impact on the performance of your business adds to the civil damages that can be recovered. Proving that a business partner, co-owner or shareholder is stealing from ...

Who is Daniel Watkins?

Call (858) 535-1511. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Daniel Watkins. Mr. Watkins is an experienced litigator and true trial attorney with over 50 Jury and Bench trials to his credit in 25 years of practice.

What are the feelings of fraud?

You may experience feelings about: 1 Yourself. That old saying, "Hindsight is 20-20," is never more true than in financial fraud crimes. Many victims believe they should have known or recognized what was going on, or blame themselves for being too trusting or naive. 2 The fraud criminal for taking financial advantage of you, betraying your trust, and jeopardizing your financial independence and security 3 Your family, friends and colleagues for blaming you, being upset over what they perceive as your lack of judgment, or withdrawing financial or emotional support. 4 The investigative and prosecutorial phases of the justice process, especially in cases that progress slowly or do not result in financial outcomes favorable to you. 5 The news media for failing to warn the public about fraud schemes or for exploiting victims when fraud crimes are reported. 6 Consumer protection agencies for failing to protect your interests. 7 Creditors who don't understand your dire financial circumstances. 8 Community, state and federal agencies if their resources are limited or they do not have the authority to help you.

What happens if you are victim of fraud?

As the victim of a federal fraud crime, you may suffer financial and emotional harm and even medical problems relating to your victimization. And you are not alone. Millions of people in the United States are victims of fraud crimes each year.

Is fraud a personal violation?

Fraud crime is a personal violation. Your trust in your own judgment, and your trust in others, is often shattered. You may feel a sense of betrayal, especially if the perpetrator is someone you know. You may have hesitated to tell family members, friends, or colleagues about your victimization for fear of criticism.

What is fraud criminal?

The fraud criminal for taking financial advantage of you, betraying your trust, and jeopardizing your financial independence and security. Your family, friends and colleagues for blaming you, being upset over what they perceive as your lack of judgment, or withdrawing financial or emotional support.

What is fraud in business?

Fraud occurs when a person or business intentionally deceives another with promises of goods, services, or financial benefits that do not exist, were never intended to be provided, or were misrepresented. Typically, victims give money but never receive what they paid for.

Can fraud be prosecuted?

Fraud crimes can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, depending on a number of factors: Type of fraud scheme and amount of money stolen. Laws violated (federal, state or both) Method of operation.