Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Mesa, Arizona financial advisor Bert Mills following a recent investor complaint alleging misrepresentation that resulted in substantial financial losses. If you’ve worked with Bert Mills at Edward Jones and have concerns about your investments, understanding the details of this complaint and recognizing potential red flags can help protect your financial future.
Understanding the Recent Complaint Against Bert Mills
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According to FINRA records, Bert Mills (CRD# 5614645) faces a pending investor complaint filed in October 2025. The complaint alleges that Mills, while representing Edward Jones, misrepresented the return on a customer’s portfolio for the year 2024, resulting in claimed damages of $180,340.23.
This substantial six-figure claim raises important questions for current and former clients. When a financial advisor allegedly misrepresents portfolio performance, it can indicate serious issues with transparency, communication, or adherence to industry standards. Investors deserve accurate, honest information about their portfolio performance to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Key Facts About Bert Mills and His Professional Background
| Registration Status | Broker and Investment Advisor |
| Current Firm | Edward Jones (since 2009) |
| Industry Experience | 16 years |
| Location | Mesa, Arizona |
| Licenses Held | 22 state licenses |
| Certifications | SIE, Series 7, Series 66 |
Mills has maintained his registration with Edward Jones for over 15 years, demonstrating a long-term relationship with one of the nation’s well-known investment firms. His credentials include passing three important securities examinations, and he maintains licenses in 22 states, suggesting a broad geographic client base.
Red Flags Investors Should Watch For
The allegation of portfolio return misrepresentation is particularly concerning because accurate performance reporting forms the foundation of the advisor-client relationship. Here are critical warning signs that investors should monitor:
- Unclear or inconsistent performance reports – Your statements should clearly show gains, losses, and overall returns
- Difficulty obtaining straightforward answers about your portfolio’s actual performance
- Discrepancies between verbal representations and written statements
- Pressure to make investment decisions based on promised returns rather than documented performance
- Reluctance to provide detailed explanations of fees, costs, or investment strategies
Why Misrepresentation Matters to Your Financial Future
When financial advisors allegedly misrepresent portfolio returns, the impact extends far beyond simple miscommunication. Investors rely on accurate information to make critical decisions about retirement planning, education funding, and long-term financial security. Misrepresented returns can lead to:
Poor investment decisions based on false information. If you believe your portfolio is performing better than it actually is, you might take unnecessary risks or fail to make needed adjustments. Delayed recognition of losses can prevent timely corrective action. The longer it takes to identify actual performance issues, the more difficult recovery becomes.
Erosion of trust in the financial advisory relationship makes it challenging to work effectively with any advisor in the future. This breakdown in confidence can have lasting effects on your financial planning efforts.
Understanding Your Rights as an Investor
FINRA rules provide important protections for investors. Financial advisors must provide accurate, truthful information about investments and portfolio performance. They cannot use deceptive practices or misrepresent material facts that might influence investment decisions.
Additionally, advisors must recommend investments suitable for each client’s specific situation, considering factors like:
- Risk tolerance and investment objectives
- Time horizon for investments
- Overall financial situation
- Need for liquidity
- Tax considerations
Steps to Protect Your Investments
If you’re a current or former client of Bert Mills at Edward Jones, consider taking these protective measures:
1. Review all your account statements carefully. Compare the returns shown on your statements with what you were told verbally or in other communications.
2. Document any discrepancies. Keep records of all communications, including emails, letters, and notes from phone conversations or meetings.
3. Calculate your actual returns. Don’t rely solely on verbal representations. Use your statements to determine actual performance.
4. Seek professional guidance. Complex investment losses often require experienced analysis to understand the full scope of potential issues.
Why Time Matters in Investment Loss Cases
Investment loss claims have strict time limitations. Waiting too long to act can result in losing your right to recover losses, even in cases of clear wrongdoing. The sooner you understand your situation and options, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your interests.
Evidence can disappear over time, memories fade, and documentation may become harder to obtain. Taking prompt action helps preserve the information needed to understand what happened with your investments.
How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
With over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, Haselkorn & Thibaut has helped investors nationwide recover millions in losses. Our team understands the complexities of investment loss cases and the importance of thorough investigation.
We work on a contingency fee basis – meaning no recovery, no fee. This ensures our interests align with yours throughout the process. Our national reach allows us to help investors wherever they’re located.
If you’ve experienced investment losses or have concerns about potential misrepresentation by Bert Mills or any Edward Jones advisor, don’t wait to understand your options. Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-628-5590 for a free, confidential consultation. Let our experienced team review your situation and help you understand the best path forward for protecting your financial future.
