Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national investment fraud law firm, has opened an investigation into financial advisor Tony Barouti of Emerson Equity LLC regarding multiple customer complaints and potential unsuitable investment recommendations. If you’ve invested with Tony Barouti and experienced losses, particularly in alternative investments or REITs, you may have options for recovery.
Understanding Tony Barouti’s Professional Background
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Tony Barouti currently works with Emerson Equity LLC, where he’s been employed since June 2017. With CRD number 4001490, Barouti has built a lengthy career in the financial services industry, having worked with numerous broker-dealers over the years. His professional journey includes positions at:
- First Heartland Capital
- LPL Financial LLC
- Newport Coast Securities
- Commonwealth Financial Network
- Brookstreet Securities
- Jefferson Pilot Securities
- Linsco/Private Ledger (LPL)
- World Group Securities
- WMA Securities, Inc.
While experience across multiple firms isn’t necessarily concerning, the pattern of customer complaints that follows Barouti through different employers raises important questions about his investment recommendations and sales practices.
Red Flags: Customer Complaints and Allegations
According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, Tony Barouti has multiple customer dispute disclosures on file. These complaints, filed primarily between 2022 and 2023, paint a concerning picture for investors who trusted him with their financial futures.
Specific Complaint Details
The customer disputes against Tony Barouti center around several key allegations:
| Complaint Type | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Unsuitable Investment Recommendations | Multiple complaints allege investments didn’t match client risk tolerance | Advisors must recommend investments appropriate for each client’s financial situation |
| Misrepresentation | Claims of misrepresenting investment characteristics, particularly REITs | Investors rely on accurate information to make informed decisions |
| Alternative Investment Issues | Focus on real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other alternatives | These complex products often carry higher risks and fees |
Settlement amounts in these cases have reportedly reached tens of thousands of dollars, though some disputes may still be pending. While Barouti maintains that investments were suitable and properly disclosed, the pattern of complaints suggests investors should carefully evaluate their experiences.
Why These Complaints Matter to You
If you’ve worked with Tony Barouti, these complaints highlight several areas of concern:
1. Pattern of Similar Allegations: When multiple investors independently raise similar concerns about unsuitable investments and misrepresentation, it suggests potential systemic issues rather than isolated incidents.
2. Focus on Complex Products: The concentration of complaints around REITs and alternative investments is particularly troubling. These products often feature:
- Higher commission structures that may incentivize overselling
- Limited liquidity, making it difficult to exit positions
- Complex fee structures that reduce returns
- Higher risk levels inappropriate for conservative investors
3. Multiple Firms, Similar Issues: The complaints span Barouti’s time at various broker-dealers, suggesting the issues may relate to his individual practices rather than firm-specific problems.
What Alternative Investment Victims Should Know
Alternative investments like REITs require special consideration. Financial advisors have a duty to ensure these complex products align with your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. When advisors fail to properly assess suitability or misrepresent investment characteristics, investors can suffer significant losses.
Common signs that you may have been sold unsuitable alternative investments include:
- Concentration Risk: Too much of your portfolio in one type of investment
- Liquidity Issues: Inability to access your money when needed
- Unexpected Losses: Performance significantly worse than represented
- High Fees: Excessive charges eating into your returns
Your Rights as an Investor
If you’ve experienced losses with Tony Barouti, particularly in alternative investments or REITs, you have important rights under securities laws. FINRA rules require advisors to recommend only suitable investments and provide accurate, complete information about investment risks.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate this complex situation alone. Securities arbitration provides a forum for investors to seek recovery of losses caused by unsuitable recommendations or misrepresentations.
Take Action Today
Time limits apply to securities claims, so prompt action is essential. If you’ve invested with Tony Barouti at Emerson Equity LLC or any of his previous firms and experienced losses, especially in alternative investments, you deserve answers.
Haselkorn & Thibaut (InvestmentFraudLawyers.com) offers free consultations to investors nationwide. With over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for clients, they work on a “No Recovery, No Fee” basis—meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
Don’t let investment losses define your financial future. Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 to discuss your situation with experienced investment fraud attorneys who understand the complexities of advisor misconduct cases. Your consultation is completely free and confidential.
The investigation into Tony Barouti’s practices is ongoing, and your experience could be crucial. Whether you’re seeking to understand your rights, evaluate your losses, or pursue recovery, taking that first step costs nothing but could mean everything for your financial recovery. Call 1-888-885-7162 now—because when it comes to protecting your investments, knowledge and timely action are your best defenses.
