Michael J. Betts LLC

Securities and financial fraud consultation: 412-899-6827

Michael J. Betts LLC
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Experienced Securities And Financial Fraud Lawyer In Pittsburgh, PA

Michael J. Betts

Recover Your Assets With A Financial Fraud Attorney In Pittsburgh

Financial fraud is a breach of trust that can leave victims with a sense of helplessness and significant financial losses. It can happen to a business owner whose accounts are compromised or a retiree whose life savings are depleted by a fraudulent investment scheme.

Michael J. Betts, a financial fraud attorney, understands the devastating impact these scams can have. For over 45 years, he has dedicated his practice to helping victims in Pennsylvania pursue asset recovery. He takes on a selective number of matters, allowing him to give each case the hands-on attention and focused strategy it demands.

Strategic Guidance Through Complex Fraud Cases

A financial fraud claim begins with a clear understanding of the misconduct. Attorney Betts provides experienced legal counsel to individuals and businesses who have lost significant assets due to acts of financial fraud such as:

  • Securities and investment fraud: This type of fraud involves deceptive practices related to the sale or trading of securities. It can include unsuitable investments for a client’s risk profile or Ponzi schemes that use new investor funds to pay off earlier ones. As a financial fraud attorney, attorney Betts helps investors pursue claims against brokers and firms to recover their losses.
  • Insurance and annuity fraud: This occurs when a policyholder is misled about the terms or suitability of an insurance or annuity product. It can lead to significant losses, especially when a financial adviser engages in churning or fraudulent misrepresentation. Attorney Betts provides legal representation to individuals who are victims of these fraud schemes.
  • Bank fraud: This area of fraud includes claims against banks involving forged checks, fraudulent transfer of electronic funds and other unauthorized transactions. Attorney Betts works with individuals and businesses to pursue legal action against banks for failing to prevent or resolve these fraudulent activities.

Attorney Betts’s extensive background in financial fraud matters and investment-related cases allows him to develop a direct and targeted legal plan to pursue restitution claims. As your lawyer, he will ensure that you receive comprehensive and tailored legal support throughout the process.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Financial Fraud Case?

Every case of financial fraud is different, and the damages you can recover may depend on the specifics of your situation. Under Pennsylvania’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL), you may be able to recover:

  • Actual or compensatory damages: These cover your direct financial losses such as the value of the property lost or money taken.
  • Treble damages: The UTPCPL allows for the potential award of up to three times your actual damages.
  • Punitive damages: These are awarded in cases of outrageous conduct, such as fraudulent misrepresentation or reckless behavior, to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions.
  • Attorney fees: In certain cases, you may also be able to recover your legal fees, which can provide significant relief when pursuing complex civil litigation.

To pursue a UTPCPL claim, you need to show an “ascertainable loss.” A financial fraud attorney can help you assess your claim to identify all potential avenues for recovery and help you understand how these damages apply to your unique situation.

What To Do After Discovering Financial Fraud

Immediate action can be critical after discovering financial fraud. Taking these steps can help protect your rights and improve your chances of recovery:

  • Do not pay more money: Be wary of “recovery fraud,” where scammers pose as attorneys or government officials and demand an upfront fee to help you recover your stolen money
  • Protect your accounts: Contact your bank immediately to report the fraudulent activity and freeze or close any compromised accounts
  • Collect information: Gather and preserve all pertinent documents and records, including emails, transaction records and account statements
  • Report the fraud: File a police report and report the fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

After taking these initial actions, your next step should be to consult with a qualified financial fraud attorney. Attorney Betts can assist you with fraud reporting, evidence gathering and asset tracing. This is especially important for complex cases involving large financial institutions or multiple parties. He will also guide you through the process of filing your claim through FINRA arbitration or civil litigation.

There Is A Path To Recovery: Call Michael J. Betts LLC Today

When you have been a victim of fraud, a professional legal opinion can be the first step toward regaining control of your finances. Attorney Betts is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses facing high-stakes financial matters, and he is ready to hear about your situation. Schedule your consultation at Michael J. Betts LLC today. Call the firm at 412-899-6827 or send a message through this online form.