Rhode Island investors have access to both federal securities laws and state-level regulatory oversight designed to protect them from financial misconduct. When brokers, advisors, or firms engage in fraudulent practices, investors need a legal team that understands the complexities of securities litigation.
Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. represents investment fraud victims across Rhode Island, including Providence, Warwick. 95+ years of combined securities law experience. Former Wall Street defense attorneys with insider knowledge of firm tactics. We handle cases on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover your losses.
Common types of investment fraud in Rhode Island
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Investment fraud takes many forms. The following are among the most common cases our attorneys see involving Rhode Island investors:
- Ponzi schemes and affinity fraud — Fraudsters target religious, ethnic, or community groups with fabricated returns, often in Rhode Island’s tight-knit investment communities.
- Unauthorized trading and churning — Brokers execute trades without investor consent or excessively trade accounts to generate commissions.
- Misrepresentation and omission — Failure to disclose material risks, fees, or conflicts of interest when recommending investments.
- Unsuitable recommendations — Advisors recommend high-risk or illiquid investments to conservative or elderly investors.
- Failure to supervise — Brokerage firms fail to monitor their registered representatives, allowing misconduct to persist.
- Elder financial abuse — Targeting retirees and senior investors through deceptive annuity sales, promissory notes, or private placements.
- Variable annuity switching — Brokers encourage unnecessary annuity exchanges that generate commissions while harming the investor.
- REIT and private placement fraud — Misleading marketing of non-traded REITs and unregistered securities to unsuspecting investors.
How Rhode Island regulates securities and protects investors
Rhode Island’s state securities regulator is the **Securities Division of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR)**, sometimes referenced as “Securities and Charitable Organizations.”
**Investor protection role:**
The Securities Division administers and enforces the **Rhode Island Uniform Securities Act (R.I. Gen. Laws 7-11)** and related laws. It:
– Registers certain securities offerings.
– Licenses and regulates broker-dealers, investment advisers, and their representatives.
– Conducts examinations and investigations.
– Brings enforcement actions for securities fraud and other violations.
– Oversees franchises, charitable solicitations, and time-share offerings, helping to prevent and address fraud against Rhode Island investors, including seniors and vulnerable adults.
Investors in Rhode Island are also protected by federal regulators:
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — Enforces federal securities laws and prosecutes fraud involving publicly traded securities.
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) — Oversees brokerage firms and registered representatives, administers arbitration for investor disputes.
- North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) — Coordinates state-level enforcement and provides investor education resources.
Securities arbitration and litigation options for Rhode Island investors
Most investment fraud disputes are resolved through FINRA arbitration rather than traditional court litigation. Arbitration is generally faster, less expensive, and produces binding decisions. Our attorneys are experienced FINRA arbitration practitioners who have recovered significant awards for clients.
The arbitration process typically takes 12 to 18 months from filing through final award. Haselkorn & Thibaut handles every phase: document discovery, witness preparation, hearing presentation, and enforcement of awards.
In cases involving fraud, negligence, or breach of fiduciary duty, investors may also pursue claims in state or federal court. We evaluate each case to determine the most effective forum for recovery.
Why Rhode Island investors choose Haselkorn & Thibaut
Our firm brings a unique perspective to investment fraud recovery. We are former Wall Street defense attorneys who have seen how brokerage firms build cases against investors. Now we apply that knowledge to protect investor rights.
- Former defense attorneys with insider knowledge of brokerage firm strategies
- Proven track record across thousands of securities cases
- Personalized attention from experienced trial attorneys
- Contingency fee representation — no upfront costs
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Contact our Rhode Island investment fraud lawyers
If you believe you have been the victim of investment fraud or broker misconduct in Rhode Island, contact Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Learn more about our investment fraud attorney consultation services.
Call 1-888-885-7162 or complete the online contact form below. Time limits apply to securities claims, so act promptly to preserve your rights.