If you or someone you know invested with Peter Thomas Lawrence, a former broker and investment advisor previously registered in New York with American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc., there are important updates that may affect your financial future. Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national securities fraud law firm, has launched an investigation into Lawrence’s practices on behalf of investors. With over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for clients across the country, Haselkorn & Thibaut offers confidential, no-obligation consultations to concerned investors. No recovery, no fee. Contact them today at 1-888-885-7162.
Who is Peter Thomas Lawrence?
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Peter Thomas Lawrence (CRD# 2695687) has a 27-year history in the financial services industry, most recently with American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. and American Portfolios Advisors, Inc. in Hauppauge, NY. His registration lapsed in November 2023 after he was discharged from American Portfolios, and his record contains 20 separate disclosures—a significant red flag for investors.
Key Red Flags for Investors
- 20 disclosures on record, including multiple, serious customer complaints.
- FINRA suspension (October 2024 – January 2025) for non-cooperation with regulatory information requests.
- Two employment separations after misconduct allegations, including his most recent default from American Portfolios following issues with reporting statements.
- Significant settlements exceeding $110,000 and at least two pending investor complaints seeking an additional $112,500.
- Frequent allegations of forgery, unauthorized trades, and unsuitable recommendations, especially in his last years of practice.
As an investor, it’s vital to understand the scope and seriousness of these disclosures to make informed decisions about recovering potential investment losses.
Summary of Investor Complaints and Disclosures
Peter Thomas Lawrence’s career has been marred by a rising trend of customer complaints, particularly in 2023 and 2024. Below is a detailed timeline and summary of every recorded complaint.
| Date | Status | Allegations | Requested Damages | Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 19, 2024 | Denied | Alleged forgery of signature to purchase variable annuity | $9,810.56 | N/A |
| Nov 2, 2024 | Pending | Alleged forgery of suitability documents for mutual fund purchases | $12,500.00 | Pending |
| Aug 1, 2024 | Withdrawn | Case withdrawn by customer (details not provided) | N/A | N/A |
| May 11, 2024 | Settled | Alleged forgery and unauthorized trades/transfers | $5,000.00 | $70,000.00 |
| May 1, 2024 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Feb 21, 2024 | Denied | Details not provided | N/A | N/A |
| Feb 21, 2024 | Settled | Unauthorized purchase of variable annuity (2023) | $6,033.00 | $12,868.28 |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Jan 25, 2024 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Dec 22, 2023 | Settled | Alleged unsuitable variable annuity | $5,000.00 | $27,427.48 |
| Nov 7, 2023 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Nov 3, 2023 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Oct 27, 2023 | Employment Separation | Provided unapproved/inaccurate client statements | N/A | N/A |
| Oct 27, 2023 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Oct 24, 2023 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Sep 25, 2023 | Pending | Unsuitable products and inaccurate statements (since 2012) | $100,000.00 | Pending |
| Sep 25, 2023 | Settled | Details not fully disclosed | N/A | Settled |
| Dec 29, 2004 | Employment Separation | Manager signed agents’ names to applications | N/A | N/A |
| Oct 19, 2001 | Denied | Details not provided | N/A | N/A |
What Do These Complaints Mean for Investors?
- Multiple allegations of forgery (signing client documents without permission).
- Unauthorized or unsuitable transactions, especially with variable annuities and mutual funds.
- Inaccurate reporting and communications, possibly resulting in financial damage to investors.
- Large settlements that often exceeded the initial customer requests, suggesting the gravity of the claims.
- Concentration of complaints in 2023-2024, coinciding with the advisor’s discharge and regulatory issues.
If any of these issues resonate with your personal experience, you may have grounds to seek recovery.
Regulatory Actions and Employment Separations
- FINRA suspension (October 2024 – January 2025): Resulted from failing to respond to official inquiries.
- Discharged from American Portfolios (2023): For providing unapproved and inaccurate statements.
- Resigned from Pruco Securities (2004): Allegations involved procedural misconduct with agent applications.
What Should Affected Investors Do?
The pattern of disclosures and regulatory actions signals a need for vigilance and action. Investors who worked with Peter Thomas Lawrence, especially at American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. in Hauppauge, NY, should consider reviewing their account history for irregularities or losses.
Haselkorn & Thibaut is providing free, confidential consultations to assess your options
