What legal recourse do I have if I am the victim of investment fraud?

If you are the victim of investment fraud in California, you have several legal recourses to pursue. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Business Oversight (DBO). You can also contact the California Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE) if fraud involves the sale or lease of real estate. In addition to filing a complaint with the government, you may also take the perpetrator to court by filing a civil lawsuit. In the lawsuit, you must prove that the perpetrator engaged in fraud or committed some other legal wrong. If you prevail in court, you may be able to recover the money you lost and gain damages. You can also file a claim with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA is a self-regulatory organization for the securities industry and has the authority to investigate and discipline firms and individuals registered with it. Finally, if the fraud is committed by a licensed individual, such as an investment adviser or broker, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Corporations. The California Department of Corporations can investigate the matter and can take disciplinary action against the individual, such as suspending or revoking the license. No matter which legal recourse you choose, it is important to document the fraud and gather evidence of losses. This will be critical for you to prevail in a civil lawsuit or to qualify for compensation from the FINRA or the Department of Corporations.

Related FAQs

What are the regulations governing the sale of securities?
What should I do if I am the victim of an investment fraud scheme?
How can I conduct due diligence before investing?
What is a securities fraud complaint?
What is a "cold call" scam?
What is the difference between an index fund and a mutual fund?
What is a Ponzi scheme?
What is the role of state securities regulators in protecting investors?
What is the difference between a registered and unregistered security?
What are the different types of investment fraud?

Related Blog Posts

What is Investment Fraud Law? - July 31, 2023
Understanding Investment Fraud: A Primer for Investors - August 7, 2023
Protecting Your Investments from Fraudulent Practices - August 14, 2023
Recovering Your Money from Investment Fraud - August 21, 2023
The Psychology of Investment Fraud: How to Spot Scams - August 28, 2023