Recent allegations have surfaced accusing John Woods and Michael Mooney of running a Ponzi Scheme from 2008-2021. The claims, made by a group of plaintiffs, are currently under investigation. Both Woods and Mooney have a history in the financial sector, with Mooney having affiliations with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. from 01/04/2007 to 05/18/2010 and later with Southport Capital from 10/06/2010 to 08/26/2021.
Understanding the Alleged Ponzi Scheme
A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investing scam promising high rates of return with little risk to investors. The scheme leads victims to believe that profits are coming from legitimate business activity when in fact they are coming from payments made by new victims. In this case, Woods and Mooney are being accused of such fraudulent activities over a period of 13 years.
Investigating the Accused
Michael Mooney was associated with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., a company with a CRD number of 249, from the beginning of 2007 until the middle of 2010. Following this, he was affiliated with Southport Capital, a company with a CRD number of 113364, from late 2010 until the latter part of 2021. It’s during this period that the alleged Ponzi scheme was conducted.
Recovering Losses with Finra Arbitration
Victims of such fraudulent activities can seek recovery of their losses through Finra arbitration. This process involves:
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- Filing a statement of claim outlining the dispute and the type of relief sought.
- Choosing arbitrators who will hear the case.
- Presenting the case in a hearing where both parties can provide evidence and arguments.
- Receiving an award decision which is final and binding.
Investors who believe they have been victims of this alleged Ponzi scheme should consider this route to recover their losses. The Finra arbitration process is typically faster, less formal, and less expensive than litigation. It’s also final and binding, with no right to appeal in court.
Conclusion
It’s essential for investors to stay vigilant and informed about the individuals and companies they are investing with. The allegations against John Woods and Michael Mooney serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks involved in the financial sector. Investors who find themselves victims of such schemes should seek immediate action through avenues like Finra arbitration to recover their losses.