Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
“Losing money in an investment is not automatically misconduct—and proving misconduct requires evidence.”
25 Buyer-Beware Warnings
- ☐ Identify the investment.
- ☐ Identify the brokerage/adviser.
- ☐ Preserve account statements.
- ☐ Preserve trade confirmations.
- ☐ Preserve communications.
- ☐ Preserve offering documents.
- ☐ Identify representations made.
- ☐ Identify when representations were made.
- ☐ Document losses.
- ☐ Document fees.
- ☐ Identify suitability issues where relevant.
- ☐ Identify unauthorized trading allegations where relevant.
- ☐ Identify disclosure issues.
- ☐ Review account agreements.
- ☐ Determine whether arbitration applies.
- ☐ Identify the forum.
- ☐ Check applicable deadlines.
- ☐ Preserve electronic evidence.
- ☐ Avoid deleting messages.
- ☐ Calculate damages carefully.
- ☐ Verify securities-arbitration experience.
- ☐ Understand fee arrangements.
- ☐ Understand arbitration costs.
- ☐ Don’t exaggerate claims.
- ☐ Have counsel evaluate the actual evidence.