Securities Fraud Attorneys

Whistleblower Claims for Securities Fraud

If you have evidence of financial, corporate, or stock fraud, you could be eligible for a reward under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Whistleblower Program. Created by the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC Whistleblower Program rewards whistleblowers up to 30% of the recoveries for submitting complaints to the SEC of securities law violations. In 2018, the SEC awarded $83 million to three whistleblowers from a single enforcement action.

At Levy Konigsberg, we represent clients nationwide in SEC claims and related matters involving securities fraud. Our securities fraud attorneys have decades of experience and a long, proven track record of success, including more than $3 Billion in total compensation recovered for our firm’s clients. This includes numerous million- and multimillion-dollar recoveries.

Learn how our team can help you put a stop to securities fraud; call (800) 315-3806 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.

What Is Securities Fraud?

Securities fraud is also known as “stock fraud” or “investment fraud.” While it encompasses a wide range of specific white-collar crimes, securities fraud essentially involves the intentional misrepresentation of information to defraud investors and profit at their expense.

Securities fraud can be carried out by both individuals and organizations, including but not limited to:

• Stockbrokers
• Financial advisors
• Analysists
• Brokerage firms
• Investment banks
• Corporations

It can also take many forms, such as:

• Corporate misconduct
• Insider trading
• Violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
• Manipulation of the stock market
• Accounting violations
• Ponzi schemes
• “Pump and dump” internet schemes
• High-yield investment fraud

How Is the SEC Whistleblower Program Different Than the False Claims Act?

Although it is relatively new, the SEC Whistleblower Program is proving to be just as successful in prosecuting fraud. In 2015 alone, the SEC rewarded more than $37 million to whistleblowers for providing information of securities fraud.

The SEC Whistleblower Program is different than other whistleblower programs, including the False Claims Act.

Some of the main differences between the SEC Whistleblower Program and the False Claim Act include:

• SEC whistleblowers can remain anonymous throughout the entire process if they are represented by counsel
• SEC whistleblowers disclose their information directly to the SEC, not by filing a complaint in federal court
• SEC whistleblowers can use public information for the basis of their allegations, as long as the information disclosed to the SEC is a unique analysis of that public information
• The government must collect at least $1,000,000 under the SEC Whistleblower Program
• SEC whistleblowers do not need to be the first to alert the SEC about the fraud, as long as the information disclosed to the SEC substantially assists in the investigation

In many ways, bringing an SEC whistleblower claim can be less challenging than filing a False Claims Act/qui tam lawsuit. However, SEC whistleblower claims remain highly complex, and it is always recommended that you work with a knowledgeable whistleblower attorney with specific experience in this area of law.

At Levy Konigsberg, our SEC claims attorneys have helped countless clients shed light on securities fraud and receive awards following the successful litigation of their claims. If you have knowledge and proof of securities fraud, we encourage you to reach out to our team right away for a free and confidential consultation.

Trust Your Whistleblower Claim to Our Skilled Securities Fraud Attorneys

Since our founding in 1985, our firm has been recognized as one of the U.S.’s leading civil litigation firms. Our whistleblower attorneys have received extensive acclaim for their long history of successfully representing all types of whistleblowers in a variety of claims and lawsuits. We have taken on major corporations, investment banks, brokerage firms, and other powerful entities—and we have won, time and time again.

When you need a securities fraud attorney you can count on, there is no substitute for experience. Turn to Levy Konigsberg’s renowned legal team for help with your SEC whistleblower claim today. We do not charge anything for initial consultations, and we only collect attorney fees if/when we win your case.

Call (800) 315-3806 or submit a free and secure contact form today to get started.

Securities Fraud FAQs

What are securities?

Securities—like bonds, mutual funds, and stocks—are means by which investments are made by individuals and entities in a common venture, such as a publicly traded company. These investments are made with the anticipation and expectation of receiving a profit. For instance, a stock is a share, or percentage, in a company’s profits, gains, and assets. When an investor purchases stock in a company, they are buying a percentage of ownership in that company. If the company does well and makes a profit, the value of its securities and stock will increase. Individuals and entities who own shares of the company, otherwise known as shareholders, profit by selling their shares of stocks higher than the price of the stock when it was purchased. If a company does not profit, the value of its shares will decrease.

What is securities fraud?

Securities fraud happens when an individual or entity attempts to unlawfully influence and control the investment market.

Who commits securities fraud?

Private investors who act on inside information; financial advisors, analysts, or broker-dealers who knowingly provide inadequate advice to their clients or advise based on inside information; and corporations who hide or falsify information.

What is corporate fraud?

When a corporation intentionally obscures information to appear prosperous and successful to its shareholders, it has committed corporate or shareholder fraud. Depending on the extent to which the employees of the corporation are aware of their company’s financial practices, a few individuals or many may be involved. Directors of corporations can falsify financial records or hide improper spending. Corporate fraud can prove to be damaging for both investors who have purchased shares based on misleading information, as well as the corporation’s employees.

What should I do if I believe I have a securities fraud claim?

If you are aware of securities fraud or other security wrongdoings and are interested in becoming a whistleblower, you should contact the lawyers at Levy Konigsberg to report this fraud anonymously.