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In 2020 alone, Todd Petersen was the subject of eight investor arbitration claims which relate to the sale of diamonds. Many of these claims have been settled, and Petersen’s employer, SCF Securities, Inc., discharged him, alleging Petersen “misstated and/or omitted material facts and circumstances regarding an outside business activity.” Todd Petersen is a former broker and investment adviser who spent 2015-2019 at SCF Securities, Inc. in Roseville, California, and began working in the securities industry in 1984. Customer Disputes Allege Improper Sales Of Diamonds According to Petersen’s BrokerCheck Report, published by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, eight investors have filed FINRA arbitration claims involving allegations of “fraud and breach of duty related to the purchase of diamonds Petersen sold . . .” These investors requested damages ranging from $20,000 to $960,000, and several of these claims were settled for amounts ranging from $9,800 to $351,205. One investor’s claim is still pending. The allegations all arise out of the purchase and sale of diamonds and each investor alleges that the diamond sales were part of an “outside business activity.” Brokers are required to disclose the nature of their outside business activities to their employing brokerage firms so that the firms can ensure that they are upholding their legal and regulatory obligations to their clients, including protecting clients from outside frauds and other misconduct committed by the brokers, especially when outside business activities are investment-related. Failure to do so could result in liability for brokerage firms.In 2020 alone, Todd Petersen was the subject of eight investor arbitration claims which relate to the sale of diamonds. Many of these claims have been settled, and Petersen’s employer, SCF Securities, Inc., discharged him, alleging Petersen “misstated and/or omitted material facts and circumstances regarding an outside business activity.” Continue reading ›

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HyreCar, Inc. (HYRE) is the subject of a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of shareholders regarding alleged violations of the federal securities laws. If you purchased shares of HyreCar between May 14, 2021 and August 10, 2021 (class period), please contact Silver Law Group at (800) 975-4345 or at ssilver@silverlaw.com. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff (class representative) is October 26, 2021. HyreCar is a publicly-traded Los Angeles-based company that operates a car sharing marketplace, which allows car owners to rent their cars to drivers for ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. HyreCar Press Release Causes Stock To Fall After market close on August 10, 2021, HyreCar stated in a press release that in Q2 2021 the company had net losses of $9.3 million. The company’s adjusted EBITDA loss was $7.1 million, which was more than four times higher than the $1.7 million adjusted EBITDA loss in the same quarter of the previous year. According to the press release, gross profit for Q2 2021 was $0.8 million, which was less than one third what it was in the same quarter of the previous year. At the same time the press release was issued, HyreCar filed a 10-Q with the SEC, which disclosed increasing costs of revenue during the quarter, which was attributed to higher insurance claims incidence.HyreCar, Inc. (HYRE) is the subject of a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of shareholders regarding alleged violations of the federal securities laws.

If you purchased shares of HyreCar between May 14, 2021 and August 10, 2021 (class period), please contact Silver Law Group at (800) 975-4345 or at ssilver@silverlaw.com. The deadline to apply to be lead plaintiff (class representative) is October 26, 2021. Continue reading ›

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Longveron, Inc., (LGVN) is being investigated by Silver Law Group regarding potential claims for investors in the company to recover losses. The investigation concerns potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you have losses from investing in Longveron Inc. (LGVN) contact Silver Law Group for a no-cost consultation at (800) 975-4345 or at ssilver@silverlaw.com. Longveron, Inc. is a publicly traded company focusing on biotechnology and specializing in stem cell research. The company is developing various therapies to treat aging-related disorders such as Alzhiemer’s. The company is using allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells to create regenerative medicine for a number of conditions related to aging, including metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, age-related frailty, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (a rare congenital heart defect in children). The company’s premier drug, Lomecel-B, an infusion drug, is made from medicinal signaling cells from healthy bone marrow from adult donors. Lomecel-B is designed to specifically treat aging frailty. In addition, Lomecel-B is also seen as a possible treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which can affect patients with COVID-19 as well as influenza. ARDS has a very limited course of treatment, with ventilators as the most common.Longveron, Inc., (LGVN) is being investigated by Silver Law Group regarding potential claims for investors in the company to recover losses. The investigation concerns potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you have losses from investing in Longveron Inc. (LGVN) contact Silver Law Group for a no-cost consultation at (800) 975-4345 or at ssilver@silverlaw.com. Continue reading ›

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On August 13, 2021, a FINRA arbitration panel ordered Respondent HighTower Securities LLC to fully refund its investor-customer’s purchases of GPB Automotive Portfolio LP and GBP Waste Management LP, which the investor had made in reliance upon the advice and recommendations of HighTower Securities. That investor presented substantial evidence to the FINRA arbitration panel that HighTower Securities failed in its obligations to conduct adequate due diligence regarding GPB Capital and its affiliates. The SEC has charged GPB Capital and its affiliates with running a “Ponzi-like” scheme that raised approximately $1.8 billion. Much of that total was invested in the following funds: GPB Holdings, LP / GPB Holdings Qualified, LP GPB Automotive Portfolio, LP GPB Holdings II, LP GPB Waste Management, LP / Armada Waste Management, LP Financial advisors such as HighTower Securities LLC are being found responsible for investors’ GPB losses based upon evidence that they failed in their obligations to adequately investigate GPB and/or turned a blind eye to red flags concerning GPB’s finances and business operations when recommending GPB funds to their clients. Broker-dealers are supposed to recommend only suitable investments to their clients and perform due diligence on the products they sell. FINRA-registered brokers and firms are subject to arbitration to resolve disputes.On August 13, 2021, a FINRA arbitration panel ordered Respondent HighTower Securities LLC to fully refund its investor-customer’s purchases of GPB Automotive Portfolio LP and GBP Waste Management LP, which the investor had made in reliance upon the advice and recommendations of HighTower Securities. That investor presented substantial evidence to the FINRA arbitration panel that HighTower Securities failed in its obligations to conduct adequate due diligence regarding GPB Capital and its affiliates. Continue reading ›

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The SEC has sued investor John J. Woods of Marietta, GA, over allegations that his company, Southport Capital Investment, were running a Ponzi scheme called Horizon Private Equity. In its petition, the SEC requested a temporary restraining order to stop Woods from continuing to operate both his company and the Horizon investment fund. As with other Ponzi-style schemes, investors were told that that their investments would bring 6% to 7% rates of return, and funds not used to pay previous investors. More than 400 investors in 20 different states, many of them elderly, have invested in Horizon, expecting that kind of return. Unfortunately, those who have received “returns” were simply paid from the inflow of funds from newly acquired investors. Wood is the president and majority owner of Southport, which is registered with the SEC as Livingston Group Asset Management Company, Inc. According to filings, he operates the company from his Marietta base and maintains 17 offices in nine states with remote employees, managing over $824 in investments for the firm’s client base. Woods’ brother and cousin are also involved in the company.The SEC has sued investor John J. Woods of Marietta, GA, over allegations that his company, Southport Capital Investment, were running a Ponzi scheme called Horizon Private Equity. In its petition, the SEC requested a temporary restraining order to stop Woods from continuing to operate both his company and the Horizon investment fund. Continue reading ›

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Peter Ianace (Peter Vincent Ianace CRD# 3238078) was a registered broker and investment adviser who most recently was registered with Wells Fargo Clearing Services, but spent 2011-2019 as a registered representative of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Frisco, Texas. Ianace has been in the securities industry since 1999. Two Pending Investment Arbitration Claims Allege “Unsuitable” Investment Recommendations According to Ianace’s BrokerCheck Report, published by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), two of Ianace’s customers recently initiated securities arbitrations—one against Wells Fargo and one against Merrill Lynch—relating to the alleged mishandling of their accounts: One customer alleges Ianace “made unsuitable recommendations and neglected to reduce the over-concentrated and over-leveraged nature of their accounts” resulting in alleged damages of $13,000,000. Another customer alleges “unsuitable investment recommendations and misrepresentations” resulting in requested damages of $18,000,000. According to FINRA, the types of investments allegedly at issue include commodities. Regardless of the type of investment, FINRA Rules require brokers to have “a reasonable basis to believe a recommended transaction or investment strategy involving a security or securities is suitable” based on a variety of factors, including the investor’s age, financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance etc. FINRA also requires brokers to “Know Your Customer” so that brokers learn and evaluate these factors before making investment recommendations.Peter Ianace (Peter Vincent Ianace CRD# 3238078) was a registered broker and investment adviser who most recently was registered with Wells Fargo Clearing Services, but spent 2011-2019 as a registered representative of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Frisco, Texas. Ianace has been in the securities industry since 1999. Continue reading ›

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David Volpe (David John Volpe CRD# 2543478) is a former registered broker who has previously worked for First Financial Equity Corporation, LPL Financial LLC, and National Planning Corporation, all in Scottsdale, Arizona. Volpe began his career in the securities industry in 1996. David Volpe Discharged From Firms For Improper Private Transactions & Borrowing From Customers According to Volpe’s BrokerCheck Report, published by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Volpe has been discharged from two different brokerage firms: In December 2018, Volpe was discharged from LPL for an alleged “violation of the Firm’s private securities transactions policy for involvement in capital-raising efforts without prior disclosure.” Similarly, in April 2019, Volpe was discharged from First Financial for an alleged “failure to notify firm of private securities transaction involvement and violation of firm policy regarding borrowing funds from a client.” Following these discharges, Volpe was investigated FINRA. According to FINRA’s Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent, Volpe failed to respond to FINRA’s request for information and documents, resulting in “a bar from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity.”David Volpe (David John Volpe CRD# 2543478) is a former registered broker who has previously worked for First Financial Equity Corporation, LPL Financial LLC, and National Planning Corporation, all in Scottsdale, Arizona. Volpe began his career in the securities industry in 1996. Continue reading ›

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Silver Law Group recently wrote that it was investigating L Bonds offered by GWG Holdings, following GWG’s temporary suspension of sales of L Bonds. In March 2021, GWG notified the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it could not timely file its Forms 10-K and 10-Q, which are annual and quarterly financial reports and company disclosures. GWG said it needed additional time to complete these financial statements and related disclosures. This prompted a deficiency letter from Nasdaq in April 2021. Background On GWG Holdings And L Bonds GWG Holdings (GWGH) is a Dallas-based financial services firm that offers a variety of services including life insurance and alternative investments. GWG sold billions of dollars worth of L Bonds over the past several years, and investors are now growing concerned about the status of these investments. Generally speaking, L Bonds are a relatively new financial product that purportedly offers higher yields than typical publicly traded, fixed income bonds. L Bonds are sold by life insurance companies that buy back the policies from policyholders. The bonds are supposed to help finance the purchase of the policies. According to a prospectus published by GWG for the offering of $2 billion of L Bonds, the bonds were sold with varying maturity terms ranging from 2 years to 7 years, with interest rates ranging from 5.50% to 8.50%. These bonds likely carry much higher risk than traditional corporate bonds and other conservative investments.Silver Law Group recently wrote that it was investigating L Bonds offered by GWG Holdings, following GWG’s temporary suspension of sales of L Bonds. In March 2021, GWG notified the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it could not timely file its Forms 10-K and 10-Q, which are annual and quarterly financial reports and company disclosures. GWG said it needed additional time to complete these financial statements and related disclosures. This prompted a deficiency letter from Nasdaq in April 2021. Continue reading ›

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Bitcoin: it’s the virtual currency based on blockchain technology. It’s rising, falling, trading, and the “wave of the future,” depending on who you talk to. Started in 2009 as an international alternative currency, a growing number of businesses are accepting bitcoin as a standard method of payment. PayPal has also begun allowing customers of their cash accounts to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and three other cryptocurrencies in their own accounts. One of the many ways people buy and use use Bitcoin is as an investment vehicle. This includes the purchase of a futures contract strictly for Bitcoin. These contracts are considered commodities, and fall under both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. The SEC and the CFTC recently issued an investor alert to inform the public about funds trading in bitcoin futures. Some investors may decide to invest in bitcoin futures as a way getting into cryptocurrency in a small way. In this press release, both agencies emphasize that any cryptocurrency investment is speculative, and could rise or fall quickly. It’s important to consider your risk tolerance before investing in any investment, due to the potential for losing the entire amount. Bitcoin is particularly volatile, because of the up-and-down nature of its price. The underlying “spot” or cash Bitcoin market also adds the possibility of fraud and manipulation.  Bitcoin: it’s the virtual currency based on blockchain technology. It’s rising, falling, trading, and the “wave of the future,” depending on who you talk to. Started in 2009 as an international alternative currency, a growing number of businesses are accepting bitcoin as a standard method of payment. PayPal has also begun allowing customers of their cash accounts to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and three other cryptocurrencies in their own accounts. Continue reading ›

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The recent case of Beverly Schottenstein Vs. JP Morgan and the Schottenstein Brothers was a very strong reminder of the problem of elder abuse. Specifically, financial abuse among elderly people who, in some cases, may not understand they’ve been defrauded. While Ms. Schottenstein knew her grandsons were defrauding her, she was able to get justice (and a financial settlement) in her case. Other elders that don’t have as much money or realize they are being defrauded may not be as fortunate. Financial institutions now have the opportunity to stop a case of elder financial fraud before it happens. Elder Financial Fraud By The Numbers The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICCC) in their Elder Fraud Report for 2020, reports that more than 105,000 victims over the age of 60 lost $1 billion dollars through various schemes just last year. These scams can include: Extortion Non-payment/non-delivery (more prevalent since the increase of online ordering during the pandemic) Tech support (i.e., “I’m calling from Microsoft about the virus on your computer”) Identity TheftThe recent case of Beverly Schottenstein Vs. JP Morgan and the Schottenstein Brothers was a very strong reminder of the problem of elder abuse. Specifically, financial abuse among elderly people who, in some cases, may not understand they’ve been defrauded.

While Ms. Schottenstein knew her grandsons were defrauding her, she was able to get justice (and a financial settlement) in her case. Other elders that don’t have as much money or realize they are being defrauded may not be as fortunate. Continue reading ›

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