Law

Microcap stocks with market values under $300 million have long attracted manipulators who inflate share prices through false hype. Once prices peak, insiders sell their positions and leave retail investors holding worthless shares. The Securities

Unregistered cryptocurrency platforms have targeted retirement account holders with promises of tax-deferred crypto growth. These schemes often route self-directed IRA funds into bogus digital asset exchanges, fraudulent mining operations, or nonexistent token projects, leaving victims

Nontraded real estate investment trusts promised retirees steady income and portfolio diversification. Instead, many investors found themselves locked into illiquid products with hidden fees, misleading risk disclosures, and broker recommendations that prioritized commissions over client

Former Wells Fargo advisor Brian McCauley was suspended by FINRA following allegations that he engaged in excessive trading in customer accounts, a practice that generated unnecessary commissions while eroding client portfolios. The suspension serves as

Former broker Eric Jason Walker has been permanently barred from the securities industry by FINRA after regulators found he engaged in unauthorized trading and made material misrepresentations to clients. The disciplinary action highlights ongoing risks

Variable annuity switching has emerged as a persistent form of broker misconduct that drains retirement accounts through excessive commissions and surrender charges. Brokers replace existing annuities with new contracts that offer little or no additional

Ponzi schemes remain one of the most devastating forms of investment fraud facing retirees and conservative investors in 2026. The Securities and Exchange Commission filed 23 Ponzi-related enforcement actions in 2025, recovering more than $890

Private placement investments have become a favored tool for brokers who want to generate high commissions while avoiding regulatory scrutiny. These unregistered securities are sold outside public markets through private offerings, often targeting retirees with

Broker churning is one of the most costly and underreported forms of investment fraud facing retirees today. When a financial advisor places excessive trades in a client account to generate commissions, the investor pays the

Margin accounts allow investors to borrow against their existing holdings to purchase additional securities. When used responsibly, margin can amplify returns. When brokers abuse margin authority or recommend excessive borrowing to unsuitable clients, the results