A CITY & SHORE ADVERTISING FEATURE
LEGAL TIPS • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. • Don’t sign a new account agreement unless you understand it. • Hang up on cold callers, especially those calling with “the opportunity of a lifetime.” • Ignore high pressure sales tactics such as “if you don’t act now.” • Save all promotional materials, in the event of a dispute over how the investment was described. • Get it in writing. Don’t rely on verbal representations which may be convenient for the broker to forget during a dispute. • Do not blame yourself. Brokers have a duty to recommend only suitable investments. • Generally, the higher the investment return, the greater the risk.
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veryone needs someone to protect his or her hardearned money — particularly retirees. Data compiled by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) notes that in a three-month period, industry and business-related fraud against the elderly totaled $250.2 million. Over a period of 10 years, elderly Americans lost more than $2.6 billion a year, due to financial abuse — most often perpetrated by trusted individuals.
scams are a real curve ball, and they are targeted toward retirees and soon-to-be retirees. The pitch can be one that is very sophisticated — sometimes even including an offer of a “free lunch” just to listen. “Investors should be very wary of aggressive financial advisors who promise stellar returns on investments, while pushing high-fee financial products where commissions and excessive trading can eventually drain a portfolio,” says the securities fraud attorney
Championing the cause for victims of stockbroker fraud is the Securities Law Firm of Mark. A. Tepper, P.A. An investor advocate, who has practiced law for more than 35 years, the attorney represents investors who have suffered stock losses. As an experienced counsel, he has gone to bat for hundreds of clients, even taking on corporate giants when necessary. Tepper’s experience and knowledge as a securities attorney provides investors with the kind of representation they need. A member of the Florida, New York and California Bars, he is AV®-rated — the highest rating of lawyers in the MartindaleHubbell Law Directory. His experience as a securities fraud prosecutor includes an 11-year tenure as a New York assistant attorney general, and chief trial counsel at the Bureau of Investor Protection and Securities.
FIGHTING FOR INVESTORS RIGHTS
After earning his degree from Cornell Law School in 1972, Tepper began his career as a criminal defense attorney before concentrating in securities law. “I enjoy the satisfaction of doing the right thing. I meet people whose lives have been dramatically changed because of broker misconduct, and a successful claim and recovery can give them back their lives. That’s my reason for doing what I do.”
“It is wise to obtain a second opinion to reduce the chances of being ‘burned’ by an investment — and be quick to query any substantial loss with legal advice about your rights,” Tepper says. “If your account is losing money unexpectedly, be skeptical of excuses, and seek the advice of a competent counsel so you can understand your legal rights, and make an informed decision.”
ADVICE TO INVESTORS
For more information about the Securities Law Firm of Mark A. Tepper, P.A., call (954) 961-0096, or visit marktepper.com.
Avoid a pitch that sounds too good to be true. Investment
Mark A. Tepper, P.A., has represented customers in claims against many financial institutions and brokerage firms, including Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney, UBS, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Charles Schwab, and Raymond James. “We want victims of stock fraud to recover their losses,” says Tepper. Since establishing his practice in Fort Lauderdale, Tepper has addressed professional associations, local clubs and financial advisor organizations in a continuing effort to educate the public about securities fraud. UNEXPECTED ACCOUNT LOSSES
For more information about the Securities Law Firm of Mark A. Tepper, P.A. Call (954) 961-0096 or visit marktepper.com.