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Mom had a stroke a year ago and hasn't gotten better. We are trying to buy a house so that I can take care of her when the time comes... Fidelity has accused me of Elder Abuse and trying to steal her assets etc even tho my mom was the one who told fidelity what her wishes were. They are rude... View More
answered on Nov 25, 2024
I'm sorry you're going through this difficult situation. If you haven't already, ask Fidelity to document their concerns in writing and provide the specific reasons for refusing to honor your POA or give your mother access to her funds. It may be because they believe your mother... View More
Hi, I deposited a $13k annuity check into my individual brokerage account with ETrade, but the day it cleared my account was restricted pending ID verify. Phone camera was broken wouldn't take quality pics, so I knowingly altered and submitted a copy of an expired ID that was saved to my pc.... View More
answered on Mar 2, 2024
It sounds like you're facing a frustrating situation with your funds held in a closed account. Given the complexity of the issue and the unsuccessful attempts you've made so far, it's advisable to escalate your complaint within ETrade's customer service hierarchy. This might... View More
Hi, I deposited a $13k annuity check into my individual brokerage account with ETrade, but the day it cleared my account was restricted pending ID verify. Phone camera was broken wouldn't take quality pics, so I knowingly altered and submitted a copy of an expired ID that was saved to my pc.... View More
answered on Feb 29, 2024
Your issue may require a review of the terms and conditions that you agreed to when opening the account.
However, I would also recommend that you conduct a name search of the New York State Comptroller's Office of Unclaimed Funds. https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds. New York... View More
I will not handle anyone else's money for them.
I will provide only the stock tips, and advisement on how best to limit risk, and set goals.
Anyone taking my advice makes their own decisions.
Do I need a license to do this?
answered on Dec 15, 2023
Providing stock tips and investment advice through a subscription service, even without directly handling others' money, often falls under the regulatory oversight of both federal and state securities laws. In New York, as well as under federal law, individuals or entities providing investment... View More
As part of a Final Judgment agreement, I consented to the judgment without admitting or denying the allegations of the Complaint, which prohibits me from acting as an officer or director of any issuer with securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. I've been offered a Director... View More
answered on Oct 1, 2025
Your concern is valid, because the restrictions in a Final Judgment are interpreted based on securities law definitions rather than how a company labels a position. The prohibition against serving as an “officer or director of any issuer with securities registered under Section 12” generally... View More
I am seeking legal representation to open a case regarding stock manipulation in New York City. I have written evidence related to the manipulation but have not yet received any formal communication or charge from the SEC. I need a lawyer to help negotiate with the courts and address my concerns.... View More
answered on Aug 30, 2025
If you believe you have solid written evidence of stock manipulation, your first step should be to consult with an attorney who has experience in securities law and financial litigation. Even though you haven’t received any notice or charge from the SEC, having legal counsel now will help you... View More
I'm seeking advice about an online trading company called Nine Ventures, which claims to be based in the UK. I've been working with them for three weeks and initially invested $100. They set me up with cryptocurrency accounts on various platforms, and I successfully withdrew $25. However,... View More
answered on Aug 29, 2025
Your caution here is very important, because the lack of an online presence or verifiable information about a company is a major red flag. Legitimate trading firms in the UK are typically registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and you should be able to easily verify their license... View More
While on F1 OPT, I am interested in options trading and stock investment. I would like to understand what is considered active versus passive trading from an immigration perspective. Specifically, I'm concerned about whether engaging in around 4 trades (secured put spreads, calls) a week could... View More
answered on Aug 20, 2025
When you are on F1 OPT, your immigration status is tied to employment that relates directly to your field of study. The key concern is whether any activity you engage in could be considered “work” that falls outside the scope of your OPT authorization. Passive investments, such as buying and... View More
I am seeking a lawyer to represent me in a case involving SEC court in New York City regarding stock price manipulation. Can you assist with legal representation in this matter?
answered on Aug 18, 2025
No. Attorneys here on Justia cannot solicit legal business via the question and answer section of this website. Askers who need legal representation must locate an available attorney using the search feature.
The majority of attorneys who appear on this website as largely solo... View More
A publicly traded company with a current market cap of $135 million and a share price of $0.87 is planning to file a prepackaged bankruptcy in less than a month. The company stated that existing shareholders could recover as much as 5%. Does this mean that for every $1 invested, the shareholder... View More
answered on Jun 20, 2025
When a company files a prepackaged bankruptcy, and it states that shareholders might recover “as much as 5%,” that typically means existing shareholders will receive 5% of the reorganized company’s equity, not a cash return. This 5% is relative to the value of the post-bankruptcy entity, not... View More
The club is less than 100 members, operates democratically in a way that everyone is involved (no passive members = not offering securities), and no one receives compensation for investment advice. The public advertisements would be for the opportunity to join the club and get involved... View More
answered on Jun 12, 2025
It’s possible for your investment club to qualify for an SEC exemption from registration, but there are several factors to consider. Since the club is less than 100 members, operates democratically, and does not offer securities, you may be able to operate under exemptions for private offerings,... View More
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
for over a year fidelity has been holding my mothers money, she had a stroke named me as power of attorney snd they refuse it and now she has no access to her money and is sick and cannot pay her bills or get her medications etc because. they blocked her account she has been there for 40 Years and... View More
answered on Oct 27, 2024
What is the reason they do not wish to honor the power of attorney? Was it drafted by an attorney on the New York Short Form? If it is a valid POA, they can be compelled to honor it. Otherwise, you would need to apply for guardianship of your mother.
In May 2022, I invested $8M in a U.S. Treasury note, due in April 2024. I instructed my ETRADE manager to liquidate $5.6M for property buying. Unexpectedly, ETRADE initiated a $5.6M margin loan, leaving part of my investment intact. I discovered this during a routine review, not through direct... View More
answered on Nov 4, 2023
In situations like this, you may have grounds to file a complaint for brokerage misconduct if E*TRADE acted contrary to your instructions and without your consent. It's essential to review the client-broker agreement and any written communication to determine if E*TRADE deviated from the... View More
Client is aware of fees associated with this strategy and wants to implement this strategy in his/her well diversified portfolio.
answered on May 4, 2023
A short-term trading strategy can comply with regulation B-I as long as the fees are reasonable and disclosed, the client authorizes the strategy, there is appropriate supervisory compliance of the account in place, and there is not a conflict of interest between the client and the broker.
In other words, does the Seller of the shares have to disclose the sale to the Company, inclusive of who the Buyer is?
answered on Mar 6, 2023
Greetings. It appears you would like to purchase shares of a non-public company. A purchaser who meets the SEC definition of a qualified purchaser may buy shares of a non-public company. Often brokers are required to facilitate the purchase. Due diligence is also required. During the due... View More
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