Investment fraud case results
Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, has recovered more than $520 million in securities cases for investors across the United States. Our results span every major category of investment fraud, from Ponzi schemes and unsuitable recommendations to churning and unauthorized trading. Every case is different, and the outcomes listed below are representative examples. They are not a guarantee of what any future client may recover.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The summaries on this page describe general case types and outcome ranges without identifying any client, broker, or firm. If you are considering legal action, we encourage you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation specific to your circumstances.
representative case summaries
Ponzi scheme — claim size range: $500K–$1M — arbitration award
A group of retirees invested in what they were told was a fixed-income fund offering steady returns with minimal risk. In reality, the fund operated as a Ponzi scheme, using new investor capital to pay distributions to earlier participants. When the scheme collapsed, investors lost most of their principal. Our firm filed a FINRA arbitration claim against the broker-dealer that sold the product, arguing that inadequate due diligence and supervisory failures allowed the fraud to continue unchecked. The arbitration panel issued a favorable award covering the majority of the investors’ losses.
Unsuitable REIT recommendation — claim size range: $100K–$500K — settlement
A retired teacher was advised by her broker to concentrate a significant portion of her retirement savings in a non-traded REIT. The broker described the investment as safe and income-producing. The REIT subsequently lost substantial value, and distributions were suspended. Our firm demonstrated that the product was unsuitable given the client’s age, income needs, and risk tolerance. The case settled before the arbitration hearing, and the client received compensation that covered the majority of her losses.
Churning and excessive trading — claim size range: $100K–$500K — arbitration award
A small-business owner opened a brokerage account and granted discretionary authority to his financial advisor. Over a period of two years, the advisor executed hundreds of trades that generated significant commissions while producing net losses for the client. Our firm presented expert testimony on turnover rate, cost-equity ratio, and unsuitability. The arbitration panel found in favor of the client on all claims and awarded compensatory damages plus interest.
Unauthorized trading — claim size range: under $100K — favorable pre-filing resolution
A widow discovered that her broker had purchased speculative equities in her account without her knowledge or consent. The positions declined sharply, eroding a portfolio that had been intended to provide stable retirement income. Our firm contacted the broker-dealer before filing a formal claim, documenting the unauthorized trades through account records and written communications. The firm offered a prompt resolution that restored the account to its prior value, minus a modest adjustment.
Unsuitable variable annuity — claim size range: $1M+ — settlement
An investor nearing retirement was persuaded to liquidate diversified holdings and purchase a variable annuity with costly riders and long surrender periods. The advisor assured the client that the product offered guaranteed income and downside protection. In practice, high fees and poor subaccount performance ate away at the principal. Our firm brought claims for unsuitability, misrepresentation, and failure to supervise. The matter settled for a substantial sum during the pre-hearing conference phase.
Corporate bonds / private placement fraud — claim size range: $1M+ — arbitration award
Multiple investors purchased private placement notes marketed as low-risk, bond-like instruments backed by real estate. The offering materials omitted key facts about the issuer’s financial condition and related-party transactions. When the issuer defaulted, investors faced total losses. Our firm pursued claims against the originating broker-dealer and the due-diligence firm. The arbitration panel awarded compensatory damages and found respondents liable on multiple causes of action.
summary of case types and outcome ranges
The table below provides an overview of the investment fraud case types our firm handles and the outcome categories most commonly associated with each.
| Case type | Common outcome categories | Typical claim size range |
|—|—|—|
| Ponzi scheme | Arbitration award, settlement | $500K–$1M, $1M+ |
| Unsuitable REIT | Settlement, favorable pre-filing resolution | $100K–$500K |
| Churning / excessive trading | Arbitration award | $100K–$500K |
| Unauthorized trading | Favorable pre-filing resolution, settlement | Under $100K, $100K–$500K |
| Unsuitable variable annuity | Settlement | $100K–$500K, $1M+ |
| Private placement fraud | Arbitration award, settlement | $1M+ |
| Broker misconduct (other) | Settlement, arbitration award | Varies |
The claim size ranges listed above reflect the most common ranges we encounter. Actual claim sizes may fall outside these ranges depending on the specifics of each case.
outcome category definitions
For consistency across our case results reporting, we use the following outcome categories:
| Outcome category | Definition |
|—|—|
| Settlement | A negotiated resolution before an arbitration hearing, resulting in monetary compensation or other tangible benefit to the client |
| Arbitration award | A decision by a FINRA arbitration panel in the client’s favor, resulting in a monetary award |
| Favorable pre-filing resolution | A resolution achieved before a formal FINRA claim is filed, typically through direct negotiation with the broker-dealer |
We do not list individual dollar amounts because each case involves unique facts, damages, and legal strategies. Providing specific recovery figures could create unrealistic expectations and would not account for the many variables that affect any given outcome.
our approach to these cases
Our firm’s attorneys previously defended Wall Street firms. That experience shapes how we build cases for investors. We understand how broker-dealers evaluate risk, how supervisors should have acted, and where the system breaks down. We use that knowledge to pursue the strongest possible result for every client we represent.
We handle investment fraud cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means clients pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. It also means we are selective about the cases we accept — we invest our own time and resources, so we only take matters we believe have merit.
what these results mean for you
The case summaries above illustrate the types of matters we handle and the range of outcomes we have achieved. They are not a promise or guarantee of any specific result. Every investment loss involves distinct circumstances, and no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome.
If you believe you have suffered losses due to investment fraud, broker misconduct, or an unsuitable recommendation, we offer a free, confidential consultation. During that consultation, we will evaluate your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment of whether we believe we can help. You will not be pressured to proceed, and there is no cost to learn about your rights.
Our firm has offices in Florida, New York, Arizona, Texas, and North Carolina. We represent investors Nationwide in FINRA arbitration and securities litigation. With more than 95 years of combined attorney experience and a 98% success rate across resolved cases, we have the knowledge and track record to hold financial professionals accountable.