Lawyers, Guns & Money

Why is it important to work with a fiduciary?
This section of our site is dedicated to all the low-down, no-good, thieving rascals of the industry. It’s a shame that people were hurt by their actions, but at least we can smile (and maybe even laugh) knowing that they are getting what they deserve.
Each month brings new headlines. If you are interested in reading more about a particular story, just highlight the headline and right click on "search Google" (or the search engine of your choice).
February 2017
24-Feb-2017
N.Y. Firm Fined For Overcharging Native American Tribe On Non-Traded REITsThe firm agreed to pay a fine and restitution of more than $4 million, Finra says.
Ex-BNY Mellon Employee Charged With Embezzling $7 MillionThe Poughkeepsie, N.Y., resident allegedly used the stolen money to renovate his home and buy a luxury car.
U.S. Charges Fired Morgan Stanley Wealth Manager With TheftHe was charged with stealing about $5 million from clients and spending it on luxuries.
Advisor Paid Off Lawsuit With Investor Money, SEC SaysThe SEC has charged a Connecticut advisor and his firm with stealing $3.95 million of clients' money.
Most Crooks Escape As IRS Impersonation Scams GrowMost crooks are escaping as IRS impersonation scams grow, says a study by a U.S. Senate committee.
January 2017
31-Jan-2017
Fund Analyst Pretended To Be His Mother To Place Illegal TradesThe Freehold, N.J., man is awaiting sentencing after a jury found him guilty of insider trading.
Hedge Fund Manager Sentenced For Bilking Vets Out of $1.8 MillionClayton Cohn received a 52-month sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud charges.
'Hamilton' Tickets Part Of Alleged Ponzi SchemeThe SEC charged two money managers with defrauding investors of $81 million to buy tickets to A-list events.
Citigroup Advisory Unit To Pay $18 MillionThe global financial firm overbilled clients and lost contracts, the SEC says.
Mass. Advisor Charged With Cherry-Picking AccountsMichael Breton allegedly defrauded clients of $1.3 million, the SEC says.
Morgan Stanley To Pay $13M For Overbilling Clients, SEC SaysThe firm is settling civil charges that it overbilled some wealth management clients.
Fund Manager Agrees To Pay $8M In Scheme For Early Twitter SharesGregory Gray told investors he was putting their money in Twitter and Uber.
Ameritas Hit By Finra For Equity-Indexed SalesAmeritas failed to catch cases where securities were being liquidated to fund annuity sales, Finra charged.
Ex-Barclays Banker Leaked Tips For Job With Plumber; Gets JailThe plumber used the tips to make about $76,000 in 10 illegal stock trades.
Brokers Gouged Clients With Excessive Fees, SEC SaysTwo New York brokers bought and sold large amounts of stocks to generate hefty fees, the complaint says.
Finra Targets VA Sales, AgainSome brokers are inappropriately convincing clients to trade them on a relatively short-term basis.
Still want more scams? Check out www.ponzitracker.com and www.sec.gov/litigation/litreleases.shtml