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Securities Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Law, Civil Litigation, Stockbroker Fraud and Securities Law for North Carolina on
Q: Advisor stopped communication after transferring money; $1,350 taken. What to do?

I hired a personal advisor who arranged to house my money at Schwab. Initially, communication was good, but once the money started transferring, the advisor stopped communicating. I attempted to contact her several times without any assistance. Although we haven't lost any money, $1,350 was... View More

Patrick A. Twisdale
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

Based on your description, there may be concerns involving both financial mismanagement and potential misrepresentation. Since you’ve noticed unauthorized deductions and changes in advisor information, it would be wise to have a qualified attorney review any agreements or account documents you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Securities Law, White Collar Crime, Family Law and Criminal Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I claim entitlement to stocks gifted during marriage after divorce 14 years ago in NJ?

I was divorced about 14 years ago, and we received a gift of stocks or investments from my ex-husband's grandmother when we got married. The issue of these assets was not raised during our divorce. I believe my ex-husband forged my signature to access these assets without my consent, but I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It’s possible that you could still have a claim to the stocks or assets, but there are several factors to consider. First, the fact that the issue of these assets was not raised during the divorce can complicate things. Since the divorce was 14 years ago, the statute of limitations for making... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Law and Securities Law for California on
Q: How to seek compensation for incomplete equity sale service by FINRA portal?

I paid $5,000 to a FINRA-regulated portal for a "Test the Waters" to conduct a Schedule CF equity sale of 10% of my company. The contract was in their favor, but stated if they didn't complete the raise, I could bring them to arbitration. After two years, we began the raise and I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2025

You have a strong case for arbitration against this FINRA-regulated portal based on the contract provisions and their failure to complete the contracted equity sale services. The first step is to compile comprehensive documentation including your contract, all email communications, proof of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Stockbroker Fraud, Securities Law and Internet Law for Colorado on
Q: Can a registered stock broker start a non-monetized YouTube channel on commodities trading anonymously?

I am a registered stock broker with the SEC, working for a firm that regulates outside business activities (OBAs). I want to create a recreational, non-monetized YouTube channel focused on commodities trading for entertainment purposes. My firm doesn't offer the securities I'll discuss,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

Yes, you can start a non-monetized YouTube channel anonymously, but there are a few important things to think about. Even if the channel is for entertainment and doesn't bring in income, it might still be considered an Outside Business Activity (OBA) by your firm. Since you’re a registered... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Stockbroker Fraud, Consumer Law and Securities Law for New York on
Q: Was contacted by Stockyard Holdings Group to waive timeshare shares; is it a scam?

I was contacted by a brokerage firm named Stockyard Holdings Group by phone, asking if I would waive my shares of my timeshare. They want me to sign a certificate of dividends or waive my right to shares, stating that I would lose over $600 per share. Is this a scam, and what should I do to verify... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It’s good that you’re being cautious about this offer. Contacting you about waiving your timeshare shares, especially with an unusual offer like signing a certificate of dividends or losing a certain amount per share, is definitely a red flag. Scams often use pressure tactics like this to trick... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Securities Law, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: Considering legal action against BlackRock for KYC compliance negligence regarding Bitcoin ETF.

I am an investor in BlackRock and have been concerned about potential KYC compliance negligence and fraud since January 2025. I believe BlackRock violated KYC compliance regulations by selling a Bitcoin ETF, as Bitcoin lacks essential compliance elements such as a website, staff, address, email,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

If you're considering legal action against BlackRock, the first step would be to consult with a legal professional who has expertise in financial regulations and securities law. You’d need to gather concrete evidence supporting your claim that BlackRock failed to meet KYC compliance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Antitrust, Civil Litigation, Securities Law and Business Law for New York on
Q: Concern over BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF and KYC compliance in NY

I own shares in BlackRock and have been concerned since January 2025 about potential KYC compliance negligence and fraud. I believe BlackRock violated KYC compliance regulations by engaging with Bitcoin, which lacks a website, staff, address, email, and contacts. Despite this, BlackRock has been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It’s understandable that you’re concerned about potential KYC compliance issues with BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. However, it’s important to note that Bitcoin itself is a decentralized asset without a central entity, which complicates traditional KYC procedures. That said, financial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Antitrust, Civil Litigation, Securities Law and Business Law for New York on
Q: Can I sue BlackRock for KYC negligence and fraud related to Bitcoin?

I own shares in BlackRock and am concerned about potential KYC compliance negligence and fraud. I believe BlackRock violated KYC compliance regulations by engaging with Bitcoin, which lacks a website, staff, address, email, and contacts. This raises questions about Bitcoin's legitimacy.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Suing BlackRock for KYC negligence and fraud related to Bitcoin would be a complex process. KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations are typically designed to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering, but whether BlackRock violated these regulations by offering a Bitcoin ETF depends on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law and Securities Law for Illinois on
Q: Changes to municipal bond sales laws in IL since 2014?

I am interested in understanding any changes to municipal bond sales laws regarding negotiated sales since 2014 across all 50 states, specifically focusing on restrictions affecting issuers. Could you provide information on any new restrictions to the negotiated sales of bonds, repeals of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Illinois, the sale of municipal bonds has evolved since 2014, with significant legislative changes impacting how these bonds are issued. Previously, the Illinois Municipal Code required that bond issuance be approved through a referendum, ensuring that voters had a say in municipal borrowing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Securities Law and Banking for North Carolina on
Q: Can I invest ROTH IRA funds in a trading contract with a prop firm without incurring IRS violations?

I have a self-directed ROTH IRA and I'm considering purchasing a trading contract with a proprietary trading firm ("prop firm"). The firm provides the capital, and profits would be deposited into a bank account I designate. I would not use leverage or incur debt directly within the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 24, 2025

Investing ROTH IRA funds in a prop trading contract could be problematic for two main reasons. If you engage in a prohibited transaction with your IRA, the IRS treats the entire account as distributed on the first day of that year, potentially triggering taxes on all gains. The IRS strictly... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Securities Law and Business Law for California on
Q: How to cash out Argonaut Insurance Company shares from 1957 now owned by Teledyne.

I possess a countersigned share certificate for Argonaut Insurance Company dated 1957, listing my grandfather as the owner with a par value of $1 per share. The company was sold to Teledyne, but I have documentation proving ownership. When I contacted them, they mentioned the shares should have... View More

Steve A. Buchwalter
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answered on Mar 3, 2025

Generally speaking, that's what Broker-Dealers do (stockbrokerage firms). give a large firm a call and ask to speak to a broker and tell him what you need. If you open an account with them for the proceeds, they'll usually do it for free. If you have problems, you can always re-post here.

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1 Answer | Asked in Securities Law for Indiana on
Q: Do I have legal rights regarding FBCC tender offer?

I purchased Benefit Street Partners stock over 10 years ago. The company has changed names multiple times and is currently FBCC. Today, I received a notice of a tender offer for $0.001 per share. Do I have any legal rights regarding this offer or actions I can take?

David Neuman
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answered on Mar 3, 2025

You can accept the tender offer, but I imagine that the amount of money to you might be pretty low. You can also do nothing, in which you keep your shares of Benefit Street/Franklin BSP Capital, for whatever they are worth now. To the extent that your investment still generates dividends or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Securities Law and Stockbroker Fraud for Illinois on
Q: Reverse stock split issue with Kankakee Federal in 2004.

In 2004, my stock holdings of Kankakee Federal Savings and Loan in Kankakee, Illinois, underwent a reverse stock split, reducing my shares from 2400 to 80. However, the total monetary value did not remain the same. Since Kankakee Federal was sold to Centrue, I haven't received an explanation... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2025

You experienced a reverse stock split where your share count was reduced drastically, but the expected monetary equivalence did not follow through. This outcome can occur when the split conversion ratio, fees, or other adjustments are not clearly aligned with your initial investment value.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Stockbroker Fraud, Consumer Law and Securities Law for Georgia on
Q: Paid stock fees, no bitcoin payout, more fees requested

I invested in stocks and paid fees as required, but I have not received my return payment through bitcoin. It's been a while, and now they want me to pay more to cash out, without providing a valid reason. I haven't signed any contracts mentioning additional fees. What should I do in this situation?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 21, 2025

Your investment situation sounds very troubling, and you need to protect yourself. It appears you are being asked for additional fees without a clear explanation and without any contract mentioning such charges. You should review all your documents and communications to confirm the terms you agreed... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and Securities Law for Connecticut on
Q: Is day trading legal for F1 visa holders in the US?

I am on an F1 visa and have been engaging in day trading with a cash account since last year. I executed around 300 trades and earned approximately $900. I've recently learned that day trading might be a violation of my visa status. I have not received any notice from the authorities, but I... View More

Ian E. Scott
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answered on Feb 24, 2025

If you are managing your own funds, it is unlikely that this could rise to the level of work. As such, it is likely not a status violation. This would be different if you were managing money for other people and or being paid for your activities.

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Securities Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it illegal to own stocks while on Workmen's Comp?

I'm receiving Workmen's Compensation benefits, and I want to know if it's illegal to own stocks while on these benefits. Can I face any penalties for having stocks?

Michael Levin
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Michael Levin
answered on Feb 19, 2025

Here in Massachusetts, there are no issues with holding stocks while receiving workers' compensation benefits. Holding stocks will not disqualify you.

1 Answer | Asked in Securities Law and Social Security for Montana on
Q: Can I use a durable power of attorney to obtain a social security card if the power of attorney states I have the power

It states that I have the power to execute deliver and acknowledge any and all documents or instruments of whatever

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

Getting a Social Security card using a power of attorney is generally not possible, even with broad authority granted in the document. The Social Security Administration has strict rules about who can apply for original and replacement cards.

You'll need to apply for the card yourself...
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3 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Securities Law for California on
Q: How do I get a certified copy of my courtcase?

Does it have any financial value?

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 5, 2025

Go the the court clerk's office with your case number and request copies. It would probably be prohibitively expensive to obtain certified copies of each document in your file, and there is likely no reason to obtain certified copies of each document. It is highly unlikely that the documents... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft, Internet Law and Securities Law for Illinois on
Q: Can Discord refuse my request to remove my cell phone number from their service?

I have sent emails requesting my cell phone be removed from an account that has my cell phone. The account that has my Cell phone is disabled, but Discord refuses to remove my Cell phone. They also refuse to delete that account that is disabled or give a reasonable time when the disabled account... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 9, 2025

It sounds incredibly frustrating to have your phone number tied to a disabled account with no way to remove it. You have a right to control your personal information, and companies should respect your requests to remove it, especially when the account is no longer active. Since Discord refuses to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Intellectual Property and Securities Law for California on
Q: I filed a ucc-1 one with the secretary of state in california. Code 12181 came up and they rejected me.

All the information is mine. So how do I prove that to them what documents would they need? So they won't say it's fraudulent

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2025

It sounds like the rejection was due to a concern about the accuracy or legitimacy of the filing. Code 12181 typically refers to a potential issue with the form's content or the information provided. First, make sure the UCC-1 form is completed correctly, with no errors in the debtor’s name,... View More

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