Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Melbourne, Florida financial advisor Art McPherson (CRD# 2245364) following recent investor complaints alleging substantial investment losses. If you’ve experienced losses while working with Art McPherson or have concerns about your investments, understanding the details of these complaints can help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
Understanding the Recent Complaints Against Art McPherson
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The most recent complaint against Art McPherson, filed in June 2025, raises serious concerns about investment strategy decisions that may have significantly impacted client portfolios. According to FINRA records, the complaint alleges that McPherson employed a “negligent market-timing strategy” while representing Prostatis Financial Advisors Group.
Here’s what allegedly happened:
- March 2020: McPherson liquidated the customer’s entire investment portfolio
- Market Rally: When markets recovered, he bought back into positions
- Result: The timing of these transactions allegedly caused losses that wouldn’t have occurred if the portfolio had remained invested
- Alleged Damages: $250,000
This type of market-timing strategy is particularly concerning because March 2020 marked the COVID-19 market crash, followed by one of the fastest market recoveries in history. Investors who sold at the bottom and bought back after the rally missed significant gains.
Pattern of Complaints: What Investors Should Know
What makes this situation more concerning is that this isn’t the first complaint against Art McPherson. A previous complaint from 2015 involved an unauthorized wire transfer while he was working at Triumph Wealth Advisors.
| Year | Issue | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Negligent market-timing strategy | Pending | $250,000 (alleged) |
| 2015 | Unauthorized wire transfer | Settled | $25,000 |
While McPherson commented that the 2015 incident involved identity fraud and that funds were replaced, the settlement of $25,000 suggests the matter was significant enough to warrant compensation to the affected client.
Red Flags Investors Should Consider
When evaluating your relationship with any financial advisor, including Art McPherson at World Equity Group, consider these potential warning signs:
1. Market-Timing Decisions
Making dramatic portfolio changes during volatile markets can be risky. The alleged strategy of selling everything in March 2020 raises questions about:
– Risk management protocols
– Communication with clients before major changes
– Understanding of long-term investment principles
2. Multiple Complaints Over Time
While one complaint might be an isolated incident, multiple complaints spanning different firms can indicate a pattern of concerning behavior.
3. Significant Alleged Damages
The current complaint alleging $250,000 in damages represents a substantial loss that could devastate many investors’ retirement plans or financial goals.
Your Rights as an Investor
If you’ve worked with Art McPherson through World Equity Group, Prostatis Financial Advisors Group (McPherson Financial Group), or any of his previous firms, you have important rights:
- Right to Review: You can request all documentation related to your account transactions
- Right to Question: Any investment strategy changes should be clearly explained and documented
- Right to Recovery: If you’ve suffered losses due to negligent advice or unauthorized transactions, you may be entitled to compensation
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re concerned about your investments with Art McPherson or have experienced losses, taking action promptly is crucial. Time limits apply to filing claims in the securities industry, so don’t delay in protecting your rights.
Here are immediate steps to consider:
1. Gather Your Documents
Collect all account statements, correspondence, and notes from meetings with your advisor.
2. Calculate Your Losses
Compare your account values before and after any concerning transactions or time periods.
3. Document Everything
Write down your recollection of conversations, promises made, and investment strategies discussed.
4. Seek Professional Help
Understanding your options requires expertise in securities law and FINRA arbitration procedures.
Why Time Matters in Investment Loss Cases
The securities industry has strict statutes of limitations. Generally, you have six years from the date of the wrongful conduct to file a FINRA arbitration claim, but this timeline can vary based on specific circumstances. Acting quickly ensures you don’t lose your right to seek recovery.
Get Help Understanding Your Options
Haselkorn & Thibaut specializes in helping investors who have suffered losses due to financial advisor misconduct. With over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, the firm has recovered millions for clients nationwide. Most importantly, they work on a “No Recovery, No Fee” basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they successfully recover compensation for you.
If you’ve invested with Art McPherson through World Equity Group or any other firm and have concerns about your account, don’t wait to get answers. Understanding whether you have a valid claim requires professional analysis of your specific situation.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-628-5590 for a free, confidential consultation. Their experienced team can review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand the best path forward. Visit investmentfraudlawyers.com to learn more about how they can help protect your financial future.
Remember, you worked hard for your investments. If someone else’s negligence or misconduct caused you losses, you deserve to know your options for recovery. Take the first step today by calling 1-888-628-5590.
