• Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
Contact us today: 866.461.7474 or 727.461.7474 | 581 South Duncan Avenue Clearwater, FL 33756
Coleman Law Firm
  • Home
  • About Us
    • ATTORNEYS
      • Jeffrey P. Coleman, Esquire
    • ADMINISTRATION
      • Emily George, B.S., FL Registered Paralegal
      • Livia DiScioscia, Paralegal
      • Connie McCarthy, Juris Doctorate
      • Marketing Coordinator
      • Wolfie, Firm Mascot
  • Firm Events
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
      • First Steps in a Personal Injury Claim
      • Negligence Claims
      • How Much Is my PI Case Worth?
      • How Will My Lawyer Handle My Case?
    • Securities Litigation
      • How to Watch for Securities Fraud
    • Estate & Trusts Planning
      • Avoiding Probate
      • Risks of Using Joint Accounts
      • Business Planning and Transition Issues
      • Estate Planning and Minor Children
    • Estate & Trust Administration
      • Trust Administration and Power of Attorney Assistance
      • Probate and Treatment of Homestead Property
      • What to Expect at a Probate Court Proceeding
    • Power Package! Powers of Attorney
      • What Is the Power of Attorney?
  • Investor FAQs
    • Securities Litigation Case Form
  • Resources
    • Videos – New Content!
    • Newsletters – Just Added!
    • Personal Injury FAQs
    • Brochures
  • Results
    • Awards and Settlements
    • Testimonials
  • Videos NEW!
    • Estate Planning
    • Estate Administration
    • Securities Litigation
    • Personal Injury
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

A Clearwater Securities Litigation Attorney Explains How to Watch for Securities Fraud

clearwater securities litigation attorney Gavel on Top of Stack of BillsSecurities fraud is an especially difficult crime to catch and prosecute. It is difficult for any observer to really judge whether a significant loss was due to natural market fluctuations or due to being given bad or misleading information. In general, people tend to follow their brokers’ advice without seriously questioning its provenance – unless they experience a sizable loss. It may require the help of a Clearwater securities litigation attorney to determine whether you have been the victim of securities fraud.

Proving Fraud

One of the key aspects of securities fraud is that the broker must have intentionally or recklessly misrepresented a material fact that led a customer to make an investment decision that resulted in damages. In other words, if you have lost money because you relied on information given to you by your broker, and your broker either knew or should have known that the information was not true, you and your Clearwater securities litigation attorney may have a case for securities fraud. In some cases, the investor must be able to show that he or she relied on the misrepresentation. For example, a statement in a prospectus that mentions the existence of a lucrative contract may be used as evidence, provided the investor can also show that his or her decision was based on learning that information.

Fraud by Omission

A similar crime that your Clearwater securities litigation attorney might investigate is fraud by omission. This is when information is hidden from the investor that he or she otherwise would be expected to learn in order to make an informed decision. For example, if a prospectus omits the fact that the issuer is engaged in ongoing patent litigation regarding a key piece of intellectual property, an investor may have a case for fraud by omission because the omitted information may reasonably be expected to influence an investor’s decision whether to invest in a company. In contrast with the above type of fraud, in this case, it is automatically assumed that the investor would have relied on the information to make the decision; the plaintiff does not need to prove reliance. However, a defendant in a securities fraud claim may try to show that the omission did not matter and that the plaintiff would have made the same decision regardless.

Telltale Signs of Fraud

If you are beginning to suspect that you cannot trust your broker, be on the lookout for these signs of investment fraud:

  • Your broker has stopped communicating with you.
  • Your broker discourages you from watching the financial news closely.
  • Your broker begins trading in several high-risk investments.
  • Your broker fails to disclose certain pertinent information about your investments.
  • You see vastly different results than the market as a whole.

What To Do Next

Securities fraud is difficult to investigate and prove, but that doesn’t mean you should just let it go unchecked. For more information on how securities fraud is prosecuted, contact a Clearwater securities litigation attorney. Mr. Coleman and the Coleman Law Firm can be reached by calling (727) 461-7474.

Securities Litigation

  • Securities Litigation
  • A Clearwater Securities Litigation Attorney Explains How to Watch for Securities Fraud

All Practice Areas

  • Personal Injury
  • Securities Litigation
  • Estate & Trusts Planning
  • Estate & Trust Administration

581 South Duncan Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756


Phone: 727.461.7474
Fax: 727.461.7476
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Contact Us




    Resources

    • Securities Litigation
    • Estate & Trusts Planning
    • Estate & Trust Administration
    • Personal Injury
    • Disclaimer
    Avvo - Rate your Lawyer. Get Free Legal Advice.

    Testimonials

    I engaged the Coleman Law firm on two occasions and all of my transactions were handled from out of state. Mr. Coleman and all of his staff were very knowledgeable and personable. They dealt with everything in a very professional and timely manner. They kept me informed of what was happening all the… Read more
    Jeannette Hoffman
    Read All Testimonials
    I’m very pleased with the way the Coleman Law Firm handled my matter. They were caring, fast, and I felt I was in good hands.
    Hollie J.
    Read All Testimonials
    We are pleased to have this opportunity to describe how individualized your services were to our needs. Not only was the staff attentive, caring and helpful, but also the firm was extremely in tune to the complicated activity of market affairs and our particular problems. We would definitely recomm… Read more
    J.R. & S.D.
    Read All Testimonials
    Complete honesty and a close attention to all details involved in my case. Close guidance in all areas.
    M.A.B.
    Read All Testimonials
    My husband and I saved and planned for a comfortable retirement. We retired in 2000. Due to improprieties and uncontrolled circumstances by our financial advisor and financial institute; we lost a substantial amount of our retirement savings. Thankfully, we were referred to attorney, Jeffrey P. Cole… Read more
    Lou & Sue Maas
    Read All Testimonials
    I have referred probably at least five cases to the Coleman Law Firm. I have found Mr. Coleman and his staff to be both knowledgeable and down to earth. Mr. Coleman assisted with real estate matters, probate matters, and some personal injury cases with success. I will continue to refer cases to him … Read more
    Lee G.
    Read All Testimonials
    Mr. Coleman is obviously very knowledgeable in his field, but he is also very approachable, and easy to talk to. He takes the time to explain things fully in a way that is easy to understand. He kept me very well informed of the progress of my case, and then made a superb presentation at my final he… Read more
    A Litigation client
    Read All Testimonials
    My name is Dr. Christine LaRae Larson. I have been involved with Coleman Law Firm, needing legal counsel in my new role as a trustee. Personally and on the front end of my position, I had very little experience as a trustee. But now, as my involvement with Coleman Law Firm has continued, I am no lon… Read more
    Dr. Christine LaRae Larson
    Read All Testimonials
    Jeff Coleman helped me with my case and I would use and recommend him again.
    Nancy G.
    Read All Testimonials
    Jeff & Emily prepared a complete estate planning package for me. All documents, including adjustments due to recent changes in the law and specific stipulations I requested. Everything completed in a professional, timely manner and with patience in dealing with me. I would recommend The Coleman Law … Read more
    Brad, an Estate Planning client
    Read All Testimonials
    © Coleman Law Firm, All Rights Reserved.
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Practice Areas
    • Investor FAQs
    • Resources
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    Scroll to top