More than 95% of SEC fraud whistleblower complaints are not acted upon by the SEC. Hagens Berman represents the other 5% that get attention.

Securities fraud violates federal securities laws enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and SEC fraud refers to fraudulent conduct against the government that leads to an SEC enforcement action. Whistleblowers are often the best positioned to inform the SEC about a host of securities fraud violations. If whistleblowers bring original, actionable information to the SEC, they can be rewarded—potentially tens of millions of dollars. 

SEC whistleblowers are encouraged to report securities fraud with assistance from a skilled SEC fraud lawyer and Hagens Berman, an experienced securities whistleblower and securities class action law firm, has represented several successful whistleblowers under the SEC, with clients around the world filing confidential complaints under the requirements of the SEC’s Dodd-Frank whistleblower program. 

If whistleblowers report securities fraud with help from a qualified SEC whistleblower attorney, they may remain anonymous and benefit from retaliation protections.

WHAT IS SEC FRAUD?

Conduct that frequently leads to SEC enforcement actions include:

  • Ponzi schemes
  • False and misleading statements to investors
  • Trading fraud and market manipulation
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (foreign bribery) violations
  • Accounting fraud 
  • Theft or embezzlement from investors
  • Pump-and-dump schemes
  • Stock manipulation
  • Mutual fund fraud
  • Insider trading

SELECTING AN SEC FRAUD LAW FIRM

The SEC only pursues whistleblower complaints that are actionable, timely, clearly reasoned, and well-presented. Less than 5% of the several thousand complaints filed with the SEC by whistleblowers each year make it to the SEC Enforcement Division and cause them to open a file. A whistleblower must ensure they select a law firm and SEC whistleblower attorney with a well-established reputation of success in securities law that is recognized by the SEC as an expert practice with sound judgment and the ability to effectively present the whistleblower’s allegations.

Unlike most whistleblower practices, many of which have no experience litigating securities cases, Hagens Berman is one of a handful of top global plaintiffs’ securities litigation firms. We are among the most successful and respected in representing SEC whistleblowers since the program began in 2011. Hagens Berman has the track record, the resources and expertise to research, develop and advocate for your SEC whistleblower complaint. 

We have litigated significant securities cases for 25+ years, including cases against Visa, MasterCard, Charles Schwab, entities implicated by the Madoff Scandal, and other large companies, often involving complex financial instruments and investments, including mortgage-backed securities.

Our cases have resulted in billions of dollars in settlements and fines against large corporations. Hagens Berman has worked alongside government officials and regulators, often retained by those governments, helping us establish credibility necessary to bring important cases to the SEC. When Hagens Berman brings a claim, it gets attention.

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