If you suspect you’re the victim of a real estate investment trust (REIT) scam sold to you by your financial advisor, the first step is to stop making any further investments immediately. Collect different types of evidence to show the nature and extent of the scam.
A clear trail of evidence is essential when evaluating whether you have a valid claim to recover your REIT losses sold to you by your financial advisor. It will increase your chances of recovering your losses.
An experienced REIT scam lawyer can review your case and determine if you have a valid case. They will use all available evidence to build a strong case against the negligent party. While your attorney will explore all your options for compensation, you will most likely pursue arbitration to recover your losses.
Stop Further Investments
Avoid sending any more money or agreeing to additional offers from the REIT, as financial advisors often pressure investors to continue contributing to cover up their fraud. By halting further payments, you can prevent additional financial loss while you investigate the legitimacy of the investment.
We Have Recovered Over
$350 Million for Our Clients Nationwide.
Gather Evidence
Evidence is crucial in REIT scam cases because it highlights patterns of deception and financial misconduct. Clear documentation can show that your advisor may have misrepresented its operations or failed to deliver on promises. This evidence strengthens your case when seeking compensation.
Evidence that can help prove you were the victim of a REIT scam includes:
- Incomplete or false SEC registration: Evidence that the REIT is not registered or falsely claims to be registered with the SEC
- Unrealistic return promises: Marketing materials or communication promising guaranteed high returns with little to no risk
- Lack of transparency: Failure to provide financial statements, performance reports, or clear investment details
- Proof of misrepresentation: False claims about the REIT’s performance, assets, or leadership background
- Delayed or denied payouts: Records of denied withdrawal requests or delayed payments without explanation
- Pressure tactics: Emails, calls, or messages using aggressive sales tactics or urging immediate investment
- Evidence of hidden fees: Unexpected charges or fees not disclosed in the original investment agreement
- SEC filings: Copies of the REIT’s filings (or lack thereof) from the SEC’s EDGAR database
REIT scams can sometimes be difficult to prove because financial advisors often use complex investment structures, misleading marketing, and false promises to create the illusion of legitimacy. They may avoid proper registration with the SEC, hide financial details, or delay payouts to confuse investors.
Consult a Securities Fraud Attorney
As an investor, you trust your REIT advisor to represent your best financial interests. When they betray this trust by prioritizing personal profit, it can be devastating.
You should not go through this difficult period alone. Work with an investment fraud lawyer experienced in REIT scam cases to increase your chances of success.
What REIT scam attorneys can do for you:
- Assess the validity of your case
- Investigate the REIT and its practices
- Gather and organize evidence
- Identify violations of securities laws
- Represent you in Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration or other civil action to pursue the recovery of your money
- Seek financial recovery for your losses
- Provide legal guidance on the next steps
- Protect your rights throughout the process
Many securities fraud attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid after they win a case.
Their payment is a percentage of the compensation you receive, so you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. This arrangement allows anyone, regardless of financial situation, to access quality legal representation.
Our lawyers are nationwide leaders in investment fraud cases.
Verify the Legitimacy of the REIT Scam
The SEC maintains a public database called Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR), where you can look up whether a REIT has filed the necessary reports and disclosures required by law. If a company isn’t registered or doesn’t have reports available, it could be a red flag.
Next, research the company’s financial statements and leadership team. Legitimate REITs are required to disclose detailed financial information, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports. Reviewing these documents can help you understand the company’s financial health and operations.
Additionally, you should look into the leadership team. Check their professional backgrounds and any past involvement in other companies. Unqualified or shady leadership can be another warning sign that the company may not be trustworthy.
We Are The firm other lawyers
call for support.
Recover Your Losses through FINRA Arbitration
A REIT scam lawyer will explore all your compensation options, but you will likely engage in arbitration. This is a form of alternative dispute resolution where an independent third party, known as an arbitrator, reviews the case and makes a binding decision.
Arbitration is typically faster than going to court, and it can still result in you receiving compensation for your losses. Your attorney will help you understand whether arbitration is the best choice based on your situation and guide you through the next steps.
A REIT Scam Lawyer will Help Victims Recover
Many REIT scam victims trust the promises made without verifying the company’s credentials, making it harder to detect fraud early. By the time issues like delayed payouts or missing financial reports arise, significant financial damage may already be done. If you have lost more than $100,000 due to suspected REIT fraud sold to you by your financial advisor, call Meyer Wilson.
Since 1999, we have recovered over $350 million for our clients. We will investigate your case, work to recover your losses through arbitration, and ensure those responsible are held accountable. Contact us today to help secure your financial future.
Recovering Losses Caused by Investment Misconduct.