Securities crimes are serious and can harm individuals who have been working hard at saving for retirement and retiring, as well as others. Because of the serious nature of the harm that victims of securities fraud may suffer, the Texas State Securities Board enforces the Texas Securities Act. Enforcement includes preventing and discovering violations of securities laws. Violations can include the illegal sale of unregistered nonexempt securities; the sale of securities by unregistered dealers; and fraud connected with the sale of securities.
Administrative penalties may be assigned based on violations of securities laws. Administrative penalties can include denial, revocation or suspension of a dealer, agent, investment adviser or investment adviser representative registrations; cease and desist orders that prohibit or suspend the sale of securities or prohibit fraudulent conduct; administrative fines; the registration of securities may be denied or revoked; exemptions from registration can be revoked; and orders to cease publication.
While the government may enforce the securities laws, a violation of which may be criminal in nature, additional legal options are available to assist victims and ensure they are properly cared for a protected when they have been victims of securities fraud. Civil legal options are available to victims of securities fraud which may help victims recover damages and hold violators or securities laws further accountable for the harm they have caused.
Securities laws and legal options are designed to protect consumers and victims of securities fraud who have suffered harm when investing. Because of the serious nature of investment fraud, it is important for victims to be familiar with the number of legal options that may be available to them when harmed.