Arizona Ponzi Scheme Lawyer

Arizona Ponzi Scheme Attorney

Being the victim of a Ponzi scheme or other kind of investment fraud can leave you in a vulnerable position. Unfortunately, scammers in both Arizona and around the world work hard to seem legitimate, and even experienced investors can be deceived. If you believe you may have been cheated in a Ponzi scheme or similar financial fraud, an experienced Arizona Ponzi scheme lawyer can help.

Our dedicated legal team at Rosenberger + Kawabata has a long track record of successful outcomes that proves our commitment to superior legal representation, in addition to our deep understanding of investment fraud and financial misconduct. The top priority of Rosenberger + Kawabata is protecting our clients’ interests, and we can work tirelessly to fight for what you’ve lost.

Understanding Ponzi Schemes in Arizona

A Ponzi scheme in Arizona is a form of investment fraud that pays people who have invested using money from new investors. Scammers who run this kind of fraud often pose as financial brokers who say they will invest your money on your behalf and promise high returns with little or no risk. However, they often do not invest your money and instead use it for their own personal benefit or to pay fraudulent returns to previous investors.

Ponzi schemes can involve any kind of investment or securities. Recent examples from Arizona include over 100 victims, mostly retirees, who lost money to a fraudulent real estate investment company and a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme with over 90 victims, including former Major League Baseball players.

Arizona: Top Ten Worst States for Fraud

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)’s latest annual report ranks Arizona in the top 10 worst states for fraud. In 2024, there were 20,101 complaints and a total of $392 million lost. That is an average of 265.1 complaints and $5.2 million per 100,000 residents.

According to the most recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency that regulates and enforces investment and securities laws, investment fraud accounted for the highest financial losses of any kind of fraud in Arizona in 2024. There were 218 cases reported, for a total of $12.6 million in losses.

Arizona’s demographics and economy make residents a strong target for Ponzi schemes and other financial fraud. The state is known as a haven for retirees and has a large population of retired people, especially in the Phoenix area, who may be more vulnerable to investment fraud. Recent population growth and subsequent demand for housing also make real estate an especially easy target for fraud.

Signs of Ponzi Schemes in Arizona and Beyond

Some common red flags that can indicate a Ponzi scheme or other investment fraud may include:

• Unregistered Seller. Financial advisors, sellers, and other investment professionals are required to be registered or licensed with FINRA, the SEC, and/or the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division. It is almost always illegal to sell securities without being registered or licensed. If a seller or firm claims to have an exemption, always consult with a qualified securities attorney or regulatory agency.
• Unregistered Investment. It is common for Ponzi schemes to claim to be using investments that are not registered with the SEC or state regulatory agencies. This is often why investors can’t get much information about the company or its finances. While there are some legitimate unregistered investments, they are considered higher risk and are available through registered financial institutions.
• Numbers That Seem Too Good. This can include high earnings, consistently positive returns, and low or no-risk investments. Genuine investments always involve some risk, and higher returns generally mean more risk. In addition, investments almost always fluctuate in value over time.
• Difficulty Finding Information. If you’re struggling to find information about the individual, firm, investment, or strategy you’re involved in, this may be a sign of a fraudulent institution. Errors in account statements, contracts, or other paperwork, not receiving payments as promised, and being prevented from cashing out are also signs.

What to Do If You’re a Victim of a Ponzi Scheme in Arizona

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be a victim of a Ponzi scheme or other investment fraud in Arizona, it is crucial to take immediate action to prevent further losses. Do not invest any further money with the broker or seller, and immediately contact an experienced Ponzi scheme lawyer who can help you take legal action. A lawyer can assist you with:

• Understanding your legal rights and options
• Gathering all relevant documentation, including statements, transaction records, contracts, emails, and other communications
• Identifying who may be held liable for your financial losses, including financial advisors, broker-dealers or sales agents, investment firms, business partners, accountants, or any other person involved in the scheme
• Reporting to the proper authorities, like the SEC, FINRA, and the Securities Division of the Arizona Corporate Commission
• Recovering as much of your lost funds as possible by exploring different legal pathways
• Dealing with regulatory agencies, negotiating a settlement, and advocating for your interests
• Filing a legal complaint, gathering additional evidence, and representing you in a court trial against the scammer
• Staying patient and being persistent throughout the legal process

Rosenberger + Kawabata: Experienced Arizona Ponzi Scheme Lawyers

The skilled and compassionate legal team at Rosenberger + Kawabata knows that the tactics used by the perpetrators of Ponzi schemes can be sophisticated and difficult to detect, even for seasoned investors. Our goal is to help our clients hold liable parties accountable for their wrongful actions and recover as much of their assets as possible.

You do not have to face the aftermath of a Ponzi scheme alone. Let Rosenberger + Kawabata put our experience to work for you. If you believe you or a family member have been the subject of a Ponzi scheme or fraudulent investment in Arizona, our trusted fraud attorneys can evaluate your case, determine who is responsible for your losses, and help you navigate the legal process. Contact our office today to set up an initial consultation and discuss your case.