Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national investment fraud law firm, has opened an investigation into Tustin, California financial advisor Leticia Hewko (CRD# 6211451) and her current employer, Independent Financial Group, LLC. If you’ve experienced investment losses or concerns while working with Ms. Hewko, understanding her regulatory history could be crucial for protecting your financial interests.
Who is Leticia Hewko?
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Ms. Leticia Hewko has been a registered financial advisor since 2014, currently operating from Independent Financial Group’s Tustin, California office at 15145 Woodlawn Avenue, Suite 100. She has been with Independent Financial Group since February 26, 2016, where she serves as a stockbroker and financial advisor. Additionally, she operates under the business name Cinergy Financial.
Before joining Independent Financial Group, Ms. Hewko’s employment history includes:
- Avantax Planning Partners (2014-2016)
- HD Vest Financial Services (2014)
Red Flags in Leticia Hewko’s Regulatory Record
A review of Ms. Hewko’s FINRA BrokerCheck record reveals five customer disputes filed against her between 2019 and 2023. These complaints represent significant red flags that investors should carefully consider:
Customer Complaint History
| Date Filed | Alleged Damages | Status | Key Allegations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/20/2023 | $56,000 | Settled: $35,000 | Unsuitable investments, breach of fiduciary duty |
| 08/31/2021 | $225,000 | Pending | Unauthorized trading, unsuitable investments |
| 12/27/2019 | $67,000 | Settled: $24,000 | Unsuitable recommendations |
| 08/27/2019 | $11,166 | Settled: $10,500 | Unsuitable investments |
| 04/02/2019 | $100,000 | Denied | Unsuitable investment advice |
Why These Complaints Matter to Investors
The pattern of complaints against Ms. Hewko raises several concerns:
1. Repeated Allegations of Unsuitable Investments
Four out of five complaints specifically mention unsuitable investment recommendations. This pattern suggests potential issues with matching investment strategies to client risk tolerances and financial objectives. When advisors recommend unsuitable investments, clients may face unnecessary losses or take on risks beyond their comfort level.
2. Significant Financial Impact
The total alleged damages across all complaints exceed $459,000, with three cases resulting in settlements totaling $69,500. These substantial figures indicate that clients have experienced meaningful financial harm.
3. Recent and Ongoing Issues
With complaints filed as recently as April 2023 and one case still pending, these are not isolated incidents from the distant past. The ongoing nature of these disputes suggests current clients should be particularly vigilant.
4. Breach of Fiduciary Duty Claims
The most recent settled complaint included allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, which is particularly serious. Financial advisors have a legal obligation to act in their clients’ best interests, and breaches of this duty can result in significant harm to investor portfolios.
What This Means for Current and Former Clients
If you’re currently working with Ms. Hewko or have in the past, consider taking these steps:
- Review Your Account Statements: Look for any unauthorized trades or investments that seem inconsistent with your risk tolerance
- Document All Communications: Keep records of all recommendations and correspondence
- Assess Your Portfolio: Determine if your investments align with your stated goals and risk profile
- Calculate Any Losses: If you’ve experienced losses, document when they occurred and in which investments
Understanding Your Rights as an Investor
Securities laws provide important protections for investors, including the right to receive suitable investment recommendations and to have advisors act as fiduciaries. When these standards aren’t met, investors may have legal recourse to recover losses.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) oversees dispute resolution between investors and financial professionals. Most investor disputes are resolved through FINRA arbitration, a process designed to be faster and less expensive than traditional litigation.
Time Limits for Taking Action
It’s crucial to understand that strict time limits apply to investment fraud claims. Generally, investors have six years from the date of the transaction to file a FINRA arbitration claim, though this can vary based on specific circumstances. Acting promptly protects your rights and improves your chances of recovery.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating securities disputes requires specialized knowledge of both financial regulations and arbitration procedures. Experienced investment fraud attorneys understand how to build compelling cases that demonstrate unsuitable recommendations, unauthorized trading, or breaches of fiduciary duty.
Haselkorn & Thibaut brings over 50 years of combined experience representing investors nationwide. With a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients, the firm operates on a contingency basis – meaning you pay no fees unless they recover money for you.
Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future
If you’ve experienced investment losses while working with Leticia Hewko or Independent Financial Group, don’t wait to explore your options. The investigation by Haselkorn & Thibaut is ongoing, and speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and potential remedies.
Investment losses can impact retirement plans, educational savings, and financial security. You deserve answers about what happened to your investments and whether you have grounds for recovery.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 for a free, confidential consultation. Their team of experienced investment fraud attorneys can review your situation, explain your options, and help you determine the best path forward. With their no recovery, no fee promise, you have nothing to lose by exploring whether you have a valid claim.
Don’t let investment losses define your financial future. Take the first step toward potential recovery by calling 1-888-885-7162 today.
