At Haselkorn & Thibaut, we’ve handled countless calls from investors who felt something was off. Often, it’s a gut feeling. For those who’ve crossed paths with Scot Barringer, formerly of WestPark Capital, that gut feeling may be justified.
Barringer’s FINRA BrokerCheck report tells a story that deserves attention. And as attorneys who represent investors across the U.S., we believe that informed clients make empowered decisions. When someone’s financial future is at stake, transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.
What FINRA BrokerCheck Says About Scot Barringer
Table of Contents
Barringer’s track record is far from spotless. According to FINRA, he’s been affiliated with several firms, most recently:
- American Trust Investment Services (San Clemente, CA)
- Chicago Capital Management Advisors (Denver, CO)
- Formerly with WestPark Capital until July 2020
He’s passed nine securities exams, including Series 7, 24, 63, 65, and more. But passing a test doesn’t guarantee ethical conduct. What’s more telling are the disclosures—six customer disputes, regulatory suspensions, and even an IRS tax lien.
We often say the BrokerCheck profile is like a resume for financial advisors—but with more honesty. And in this case, it tells us that Barringer has been in hot water more than once.
Regulatory Actions & Sanctions
Barringer is currently under a three-month suspension (May 19–August 18, 2025) from FINRA.
- Reason: Misrepresented client net worth when recommending GWG L Bonds.
- Sanction: $5,000 fine and suspension
But the story doesn’t stop there.
- 1993: Censured and fined $10,000; 90-day suspension by NASD for mishandling escrow funds. This incident involved moving client funds without proper approval—an action that not only violates protocol but erodes trust.
A pattern seems to be emerging. If we were reading a mystery novel, this would be the second chapter where the clues start pointing in the same direction.
Investor Complaints & Settlements
There are six documented investor complaints involving Barringer. Each tells a similar tale:
- Unsuitable investment recommendations
- Misrepresentation or omission of key details
- Focused around GWG L Bonds, a high-risk product
These bonds were often marketed as safe and income-producing, but the reality was far riskier. When retirees and conservative investors are misled into such products, the financial damage can be devastating.
Complaint Table
| Year | Allegation | Outcome | Amount Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | GWG L Bonds misrepresented | Settled | $14,999 |
| 2023 | Unsuitable GWG investment | Settled | $24,999 |
| 2023 | Material omission in bond sale | Settled | $50,000 |
| 2024 | Unsuitable bond purchase | Settled | $60,000 |
| 2024 | Misrepresentation | Settled | $70,000 |
| 2025 | GWG Bonds – net worth misstatement | Pending | $500,000 (alleged) |
In our experience, when multiple clients come forward with similar stories, it’s rarely a coincidence. It’s a warning sign. Think of it like smoke billowing from a house—it usually means there’s fire.
Web Search: Complaints & Media Findings
A web search on Barringer yields concerning results:
- Legal blogs highlight multiple investor complaints and arbitration cases.
- A Florida investor in 2025 filed a FINRA arbitration seeking $500,000, alleging GWG bond misrepresentations.
- Multiple reports cite Barringer’s tendency to overstate client finances, a key issue in the ongoing suspension.
- Reddit threads and investor forums echo similar concerns—lack of transparency, risk misstatements, and misleading sales tactics.
Investors deserve clarity. But when complaints are found not just in legal filings, but also splashed across forums and media sites, it suggests a deeper issue.
Summary & Notable Red Flags
Barringer’s record raises serious questions:
- Regulatory sanctions going back 30 years
- Multiple high-dollar settlements with investors
- Pending arbitration involving a half-million-dollar claim
- A pattern of behavior involving GWG L Bonds, which are now notorious for their risk
These aren’t isolated missteps. They paint a broader picture of a broker with a history of putting clients at unnecessary risk.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
- GWG L Bond Sales: High-risk, illiquid investments unsuitable for many retail investors
- Misrepresented Net Worth: Crucial when determining suitability
- Historical Regulatory Trouble: A repeat pattern of violations
- IRS Tax Lien: Filed in 2015; speaks to financial discipline
- Multiple Settlements: Totaling well over $200,000
- Pending $500K Arbitration: The biggest red flag of all—still unresolved
It’s important to remember: even a single red flag can be enough to prompt a deeper look. But a pattern this clear should not be ignored.
Common Investor Complaints
We hear from investors who:
- Were sold products they didn’t understand
- Felt pressured into high-risk investments
- Weren’t told the whole truth about risks
- Found out too late that their money wasn’t liquid
- Were reassured everything was safe—until it wasn’t
These complaints aren’t just frustrating—they’re often financially devastating.
How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
If you invested with Scot Barringer and lost money, time may be of the essence. Arbitration claims have strict deadlines.
At Haselkorn & Thibaut, we focus on recovering losses for investors nationwide. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and have handled thousands of cases.
Call us at 1-888-885-7162 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, which means no recovery, no fee.
Let us take a look at your case. Whether it’s a $10,000 loss or $500,000, we’ll help you understand your rights and options. You don’t have to go it alone.
We’re here to listen, investigate, and—if necessary—fight for your recovery.
