There’s no denying that investment fraud is a serious problem. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports more than 7,000 cases of investment fraud each year.
If you’re worried that you may be a victim of investment fraud, it’s essential to be on the lookout for some key warning signs. Here are five warning signs that you may be a victim of investment fraud:
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Many people think that investment fraud only occurs when online information theft or naivety is involved. However, one of the most common signs that you may be a victim of investment fraud is a breach of fiduciary duty.
Fiduciary duty is the legal obligation of one party to act in the best interests of another. Your financial advisor has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests and always put your needs ahead of their own when it comes to investments.
Unfortunately, many financial advisors breached their fiduciary duty in recent years, often leading to devastating losses for their clients. Suppose your financial advisor has recommended an investment that turned out fraudulent. In that case, it’s a good idea to speak with a Los Angeles financial mismanagement attorney about your legal options.
- Asset Allocation Misconduct
Asset allocation is often touted as a key investment precept, but it can also signify that you may be the victim of investment fraud.
Some unscrupulous financial advisors may steer their clients into specific asset classes and then load up on those investments, profiting from the management fees and any appreciation in the underlying assets. This practice, known as “asset stacking,” can leave investors holding a disproportionate amount of risk.
While asset allocation is a generally accepted investing strategy, it’s important to ensure that your financial advisor is not using it to take advantage of you. If you’re concerned that you may be the victim of investment fraud, consider speaking with an experienced securities attorney.
- Pressure to Keep Your Investment a Secret
Fraudsters may convince you to keep your investment a secret from family, friends, or financial professionals. They may say that disclosing your investment could jeopardize the deal or result in higher taxes. Don’t fall for it – you should always consult with a trusted financial advisor before making any major investment decisions.
- Pressure to Make a Decision Quickly
Scammers will often try to pressure you to decide on an investment before you have a chance to fully understand it. They may tell you that the opportunity is only available for a limited time or that they need your commitment right away to move forward.
- The Guarantee of Abnormally High Returns
If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of any investment that’s guaranteeing high returns with little or no risk. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed return in investing.
Talk to a Los Angeles Financial Mismanagement Attorney Today
If you’re thinking about investing your money, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Investment fraud is a real possibility, and it can happen to anyone. If you see any warning signs, it’s essential to proceed with caution. If you have concerns about a potential investment, consult with a financial advisor to get more information.
