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.
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