Wilmington Investment Scams Lawyer
If you were charged with investment fraud or running an investment scam, it is important to seek help from an experienced Wilmington investment scams defense lawyer as soon as possible. There are many different scenarios in which a broker or another party involved in finance can be charged with offenses related to investment scams, usually as securities fraud crimes. There are both federal securities fraud laws, as well as state statutes in Delaware, under which a person can be charged. To be clear, both state and federal laws are designed to hold investors and other financial advisors accountable in Delaware, and serious consequences can result from a conviction.
If you are convicted of a white-collar crime after being accused of running or participating in an investment scam, you can face severe penalties, including imprisonment. My name is Michael Modica, and I have more than 40 years of experience defending clients in Delaware who have been charged with investment fraud crimes. It is important to remember that federal and state investigators make mistakes, and innocent parties can face lifelong personal and professional ramifications if they are convicted of a white-collar crime.
Types of Investment Scams and Investment Fraud
When we talk about investment scams and investment fraud, what are some of the types of scams for which a broker or a financial advisor can face charges? According to a fact sheet from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the following are common types of fraud that involve investment scams:
- Affinity Fraud;
- Advance Fee Fraud;
- Binary Options Fraud;
- High Yield Investment Programs;
- Internet and Social Media Fraud;
- Ponzi Scheme;
- Pre-IPO Investment Scams;
- Pyramid Schemes;
- “Prime Bank” Investments;
- Promissory Notes; and
- Pump and Dump Schemes.
What are some of the differences between these types of investment fraud listed by the SEC? For instance, both Ponzi schemes and pre-IPO investment scams often are considered to be similar types of investment scams. At the same time, however, these crimes have different elements. A Ponzi scheme, for example, is a type of investment fraud that has no legitimate earnings and pays out existing investors with money collected from new investors. These investment scams require a constant influx of money in order to work. Differently, a pre-IPO investment scam often involves an alleged investor offering to buy pre-IPO shares in a company, often a technology startup.
Who Can Face Charges for Investment Fraud?
The SEC makes clear that many different types of people who work in finance can face charges related to investment scams, including but not limited to:
- Stockbrokers;
- Financial planners and advisors; and
- Accountants.
In brief, many different types of professional involved in finance can find themselves facing charges for investment scams and other types of securities fraud. Even if you have simply learned about the possibility of an investigation, it is essential to have a dedicated securities fraud defense lawyer on your side.
Seek Advice from a Delaware Investment Scam Defense Attorney
Are you facing charges for securities fraud? A Wilmington investment scams defense lawyer can assist you. My name is Michael Modica, and I am an aggressive investment fraud defense lawyer. Contact the law offices of Michael W. Modica. I can speak with you today about your defense.
