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When a financial advisor has a history of multiple customer complaints settled for millions of dollars, it’s a major red flag. If you’ve invested with Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. and Broker Alvery Bartlett, Jr., you need to be aware of the serious allegations surrounding them. These aren’t minor issues; they involve claims of recommending unsuitable, high-risk products and causing devastating losses for clients. This isn’t about market ups and downs—it’s about potential misconduct. In the following sections, we will detail the specific complaints, explain the firm’s supervisory responsibilities, and discuss the steps you can take if you believe your portfolio has been compromised.

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Key Takeaways

Who Are Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc.?

When you trust a firm with your financial future, it’s essential to understand who they are and how they operate. Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. is a financial services firm that has been the subject of customer complaints and regulatory scrutiny. As an investor, knowing the background of the company and the individuals managing your money is the first step in protecting your assets.

Berthel Fisher is registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as a broker-dealer. This means they are in the business of buying and selling securities on behalf of their clients. While many firms operate this way, the specific products they recommend and the internal supervision they provide can make a significant difference in an investor’s outcome. Understanding the structure of Berthel Fisher, the types of investments they favor, and their business model can provide critical context if you are concerned about the performance of your portfolio or the advice you have received from one of their representatives.

A look at the company’s background

On its website, Berthel Fisher describes itself as an “Independent, Privately Owned, National Financial Services Firm.” The term “independent” typically means the firm is not owned by a large bank or insurance company, which allows its financial advisors to offer a wider range of products that are not exclusive to one parent company. While this can provide more options for investors, it also places a heavy responsibility on the firm to conduct thorough due diligence on all the investments it recommends. As a national firm, Berthel Fisher operates across the country, serving a diverse client base through its network of financial advisors.

The investment products they offer

Berthel Fisher states that its “investment products and advisory services provide all the tools and programs needed to meet your clients’ needs.” A broad portfolio of offerings can include standard investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. However, it can also include alternative and often higher-risk products, such as non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs), oil and gas partnerships, and other private placements. While these complex investment issues can be suitable for some sophisticated investors, they are often illiquid and carry significant risks that may not be appropriate for individuals seeking capital preservation or stable growth, such as retirees.

How their business operates

According to its FINRA profile, “Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. is a brokerage firm, also called a broker-dealer, in the business of buying and selling securities.” In this role, the firm and its advisors act as intermediaries between investors and the market. They have a fundamental duty to ensure that their investment recommendations are suitable for their clients’ financial situation, risk tolerance, and objectives. When a firm fails to supervise its brokers or allows them to recommend unsuitable products, it can lead to significant investor harm. Cases of broker fraud and negligence often arise from a breakdown in these core responsibilities.

Who Is Alvery Bartlett, Jr.?

If you’ve worked with Alvery Bartlett, Jr., you might be reviewing your portfolio and wondering about the advice you received. His career, especially his long tenure at Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc., is marked by a series of customer disputes alleging serious misconduct. Getting a clear picture of his professional history and the nature of these complaints is an important first step for any investor who has concerns about their accounts.

His professional background

Alvery Bartlett, Jr. was a registered broker with Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. for more than two decades, from 1992 to 2016. After leaving the firm, he joined Arete Wealth Management, LLC, where he has been registered since 2016. Because of his extensive history with Berthel Fisher, many of the investment strategies and products he recommended were directly tied to that firm’s offerings and supervision. If you were his client during that time, it’s wise to review the decisions made under the Berthel Fisher name.

His role and responsibilities at Berthel Fisher

As a financial broker, Alvery Bartlett, Jr. had a duty to provide investment advice and make recommendations that were suitable for his clients’ financial situations and goals. Brokerage firms like Berthel Fisher are required by industry regulations to supervise their representatives to ensure they act appropriately. When a broker engages in misconduct, the firm can be held responsible for failing to provide that oversight. This is a key principle in many cases of broker fraud and negligence, as the firm is ultimately accountable for the actions of its advisors.

A review of his track record

A look at Alvery Bartlett, Jr.’s public record reveals a troubling history of customer complaints. Since 2015, he has been the subject of at least eight formal disputes. The allegations often follow a similar pattern: that he recommended “unsuitable investments” and misled clients about the products he was selling. These were frequently high-risk or illiquid investments that were not a good fit for the investors’ needs. One serious complaint filed in 2022, which sought $10 million in damages, was settled for $2.5 million, showing the significant losses investors have suffered. These are the kinds of investment issues that can have devastating financial consequences for families.

What Are the Allegations Against Alvery Bartlett, Jr.?

When you see a pattern of complaints against a financial advisor, it’s a serious red flag. The allegations against Alvery Bartlett, Jr. paint a concerning picture for investors, involving claims of unsuitable recommendations, misrepresentation, and significant financial losses. According to public records, he has a history of both resolved and pending customer complaints, suggesting a recurring theme of potential misconduct. These aren’t isolated incidents but a series of claims that highlight risks associated with his investment strategies and sales practices. For any investor, understanding the specifics of these allegations is the first step toward recognizing if your own portfolio has been put in jeopardy.

An overview of customer complaints

Publicly available records show that Alvery Bartlett, Jr. has been the subject of multiple customer complaints over the years. As of early 2024, reports indicate at least five resolved customer disputes and two that are still pending. While any broker can face a complaint, a history of numerous disputes can signal a pattern of problematic behavior. These complaints form the basis of the more specific allegations, which consistently point toward a failure to act in his clients’ best interests. This track record is a critical piece of information for anyone who has worked with him or his firm.

Claims of unsuitable investment recommendations

A central theme in the complaints against Mr. Bartlett is the recommendation of unsuitable investments. This means he allegedly pushed financial products that were not appropriate for his clients’ financial situations, risk tolerance, or investment goals. According to reports, clients claim he misled them about these investments and over-concentrated their accounts in these high-risk positions. This practice can be a form of broker fraud and negligence, as financial advisors have a fundamental duty to ensure their recommendations are suitable for each individual client. Placing too much of a client’s money into risky ventures violates that core responsibility.

Allegations of misrepresenting high-risk products

The allegations go further, claiming Mr. Bartlett misrepresented complex and high-risk products. He reportedly has a history of recommending illiquid investments, which are difficult to sell, in sectors like oil and gas, real estate securities, and private placements. These types of investment issues are particularly dangerous for investors who need access to their money or cannot afford substantial losses. Furthermore, some claims suggest that neither Mr. Bartlett nor his firm conducted adequate due diligence or research on these products before recommending them, leaving clients exposed to unnecessary risk.

History of settlements and regulatory actions

The financial consequences of these allegations are significant, as reflected in the history of settlements. In one case filed in April 2022, a claim for $10 million in damages was settled for $2.5 million. Another dispute was settled for $450,000. More recently, in January 2024, another customer received a $2.5 million settlement. While a settlement is not an admission of guilt, a pattern of large payouts to resolve customer disputes can be telling. It often shows that a firm would rather pay to make the problem go away than defend the broker’s actions in a securities arbitration hearing.

What Are the Investment Risks with Berthel Fisher and Alvery Bartlett, Jr.?

When you entrust your money to a financial advisor, you expect them to handle it with care and prioritize your best interests. However, the allegations against Alvery Bartlett, Jr. and the supervisory history of Berthel Fisher highlight several serious investment risks that investors should be aware of. These issues go beyond simple market fluctuations; they point to potential misconduct and a failure to protect client assets. Understanding these specific dangers is the first step toward recognizing if your own portfolio has been compromised. The patterns seen in customer complaints reveal a focus on complex products that may not have been appropriate for the average investor, leading to significant and unexpected financial losses.

Concerns about alternative oil and gas investments

One of the primary concerns raised by investors involves recommendations for alternative oil and gas investments. These are not your typical stocks or bonds. Instead, they are often complex, high-risk ventures that can be difficult to understand and even harder to sell. Customers have claimed that Mr. Bartlett presented them with unsuitable investments that didn’t align with their financial goals or risk tolerance. When a broker recommends an investment that is too risky for you, it can expose your savings to a level of danger you never agreed to. This is a serious breach of the trust you place in your financial advisor and a violation of their duty to you.

The danger of high-risk, illiquid products

Many of the investments linked to Mr. Bartlett are described as both high-risk and illiquid. An illiquid investment is one that you can’t easily sell or convert to cash without taking a substantial loss. Think of private placements or certain direct participation programs. According to reports, Alvery Bartlett Jr. has a history of recommending these types of hard-to-sell products. This can be particularly damaging for investors who may need to access their funds for retirement, emergencies, or other life events. Being locked into a failing, illiquid investment can leave you feeling trapped and powerless over your own financial future.

Issues with over-concentrated portfolios

Diversification is a fundamental principle of sound investing—it’s the idea of not putting all your eggs in one basket. However, many of Mr. Bartlett’s former clients allege their portfolios were over-concentrated in the same risky, illiquid products. When a large portion of your money is tied up in a single type of high-risk investment, your entire portfolio is vulnerable. If that one investment performs poorly, the losses can be devastating. This lack of diversification is a major red flag and can be a form of broker fraud and negligence, as it needlessly exposes an investor to excessive risk.

Failures in sales practices and supervision

Beyond the actions of an individual broker, the brokerage firm itself has a responsibility to oversee its employees. Firms like Berthel Fisher are required to supervise their advisors to ensure they are making suitable recommendations and following industry rules. When they fail to do so, the firm can be held liable for an investor’s losses. The fact that Mr. Bartlett was reportedly under “heightened supervision” and still faced accusations of misconduct raises serious questions about the firm’s oversight. These supervisory lapses can create an environment where problematic sales practices continue unchecked, leaving investors to deal with the consequences of these investment issues.

How Do These Issues Affect Investors?

When a broker or financial firm faces serious allegations, the effects ripple outward, directly impacting the clients who placed their trust and hard-earned money with them. The claims against Alvery Bartlett, Jr. and Berthel Fisher are more than just headlines; they represent significant financial and personal challenges for investors. Understanding these impacts is the first step toward recognizing if you’ve been affected and knowing what actions you can take to protect your financial future. These situations often involve complex cases of broker fraud and negligence that can leave investors feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. The consequences range from direct financial loss to a breakdown of trust in the entire financial system.

The impact of regulatory investigations

Regulatory investigations are a major red flag. When a state agency, like the one in Missouri that began looking into Alvery Bartlett Jr., starts examining a broker’s conduct, it signals serious concerns. These investigations often focus on specific rule violations, such as a failure to report customer complaints. For investors, this scrutiny can be unsettling. It suggests that the systems designed to protect you may have failed and that your broker might not have been transparent. An investigation can uncover a pattern of misconduct, revealing risks you were never made aware of and raising questions about the integrity of the advice you received.

The financial and personal consequences for clients

The most immediate and painful consequences are often financial. Investors who worked with Bartlett have claimed he sold them unsuitable investments and downplayed the significant risks involved. When a broker recommends high-risk products that don’t align with your financial situation or goals, the results can be devastating. In this case, clients are reportedly seeking a total of $12 million in damages, a figure that underscores the severe monetary losses people have suffered. Beyond the numbers, the personal toll is immense. Losing retirement savings or a nest egg can cause incredible stress and uncertainty for you and your family, impacting your well-being and future plans.

Damage to trust in the financial industry

When brokers and their firms allegedly mislead clients, it damages more than just individual portfolios; it erodes trust in the entire financial industry. The lawsuit alleging that both Bartlett and Berthel Fisher misled investors points to a fundamental breach of confidence. As an investor, you rely on your financial advisor to act in your best interest. When that trust is broken by one, it can make you question the integrity of all financial professionals. This widespread damage makes it harder for honest advisors to do their jobs and leaves the public feeling cynical and vulnerable, wondering who they can truly count on for sound financial guidance.

Know Your Rights as an Investor

When you entrust your money to a financial professional, you aren’t just hoping for the best—you have specific rights that are protected by industry regulations. These rules are in place to ensure that brokers and their firms act in your best interest, not just their own. Understanding these rights is the first and most critical step toward identifying misconduct and taking action to protect your financial future. It can feel like there’s a significant knowledge gap between you and your financial advisor, but these regulations are designed to bridge that gap and ensure you are treated fairly.

Professional infographic showing four key steps to protect investments from broker misconduct: researching broker backgrounds using FINRA BrokerCheck, identifying unsuitable investment recommendations through portfolio analysis, documenting evidence for potential claims, and navigating the FINRA arbitration process. Each section includes specific tools, timeframes, and actionable steps with professional icons and clean typography.

Financial professionals are held to a high standard of conduct. When they fail to meet these obligations, whether through carelessness or intentional deceit, you have clear avenues for recourse. Organizations like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) have established a framework to hold brokers accountable and provide a path for investors to recover their losses. Knowing what your broker is required to do—and not do—empowers you to spot red flags, ask the right questions, and defend your investments from harm. These aren’t just guidelines; they are enforceable rules that form the bedrock of a trustworthy financial system.

Your protections under FINRA

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is a key organization that regulates brokerage firms and their employees in the United States. Its mission is to protect investors by making sure the industry operates fairly and honestly. FINRA sets the rules that brokers must follow, and when those rules are broken, it has the power to take disciplinary action. For investors, this means you have a powerful regulator on your side. If a broker’s misconduct causes you to lose money, their employing firm may be held liable for failing to properly supervise them. This is a critical protection, as it means you can pursue a claim against the company, which often has more resources than an individual broker. Disputes are frequently handled through securities arbitration, a formal process overseen by FINRA.

Understanding the “suitability” requirement

One of the most important rules protecting investors is the “suitability” requirement. This rule states that a broker must have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended investment or strategy is appropriate for you. To do this, they must consider your complete financial picture, including your financial situation, investment goals, age, and tolerance for risk. A high-risk, speculative investment might be suitable for one person but completely inappropriate for a retiree who needs to preserve their capital for living expenses. Many cases of broker fraud and negligence arise from violations of this rule, such as when a broker pushes a product simply to generate a high commission, regardless of the client’s actual needs or financial well-being.

A broker’s duty of transparency

Your broker has a fundamental duty to be transparent and provide you with complete and accurate information. This means they cannot misrepresent the risks of an investment, omit crucial facts, or mislead you in any way. Transparency is the bedrock of trust in a broker-client relationship. When a broker fails to disclose high fees, downplays the potential for loss, or presents a speculative product as a safe bet, they are violating this core duty. As seen in numerous investor claims, allegations of misleading clients into making poor decisions are a serious breach of trust. If you believe your broker has not been truthful with you about your investment issues, it’s important to address the situation and seek guidance.

How to File a Complaint Against Alvery Bartlett, Jr. or Berthel Fisher

If you’ve suffered investment losses and suspect misconduct, taking action is your right. There are clear pathways to file a complaint and seek accountability. The process starts with gathering your information and reporting it to the right regulatory bodies, which exist to protect investors and investigate wrongdoing. By taking these first steps, you can begin the process of holding your broker and their firm responsible. It’s about protecting your financial future and ensuring the integrity of the system. Here are the key steps you can take to formally report your concerns.

Using the FINRA BrokerCheck system

A great first step is to use FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool. Think of it as a background check for financial professionals. This free resource lets you look up brokers to see their employment history, licenses, and—most importantly—any past customer disputes or violations. Reviewing your broker’s report can confirm if other investors have faced similar issues and provides official documentation of their professional record. This information is valuable for your own understanding and as evidence if you move forward with a formal claim.

Reporting to state regulatory agencies

In addition to FINRA, every state has its own securities regulator. You can file a complaint directly with your state’s agency, which can launch its own investigation into potential violations of investor protection laws. This is an important avenue because firms like Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. can be held liable for losses caused by their brokers’ misconduct. Firms have a duty to supervise their employees. You can find your state’s securities regulator through the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) to learn about their complaint process.

Gathering the right documents for your claim

A strong complaint is built on evidence. Before filing, gather all documents related to your investments, including account statements, trade confirmations, and any email correspondence or notes from conversations with your broker. In Alvery Bartlett’s case, customers have claimed he recommended an over-concentration in risky, high-fee alternative investments. Your documents can help demonstrate a pattern of unsuitable recommendations and show how your portfolio was handled. Having this paperwork organized is critical when you file a complaint and if you choose to pursue legal action.

When Should You Seek Legal Help for Investment Losses?

It can be difficult to know if your investment losses are a normal part of market fluctuations or a sign of something more serious. Trusting your financial professional is essential, but it’s just as important to recognize when that trust has been broken. If you have a gut feeling that something isn’t right with your portfolio or the advice you’ve been given, it’s worth paying attention. Understanding the warning signs of misconduct and knowing your options can help you take control of the situation and protect your financial future. Acting promptly is often key, as there are time limits for pursuing a claim.

Red flags of broker misconduct

One of the most significant red flags is being sold “unsuitable investments.” This means your broker recommended financial products that didn’t align with your goals, age, or risk tolerance. For example, if you are a conservative investor nearing retirement, your portfolio shouldn’t be filled with high-risk, speculative stocks. Other warning signs include a broker misrepresenting an investment, downplaying its risks, or putting too much of your money into a single product or sector. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of broker fraud and negligence, it’s time to ask some hard questions and look closer at your accounts.

Understanding the time limits for filing a claim

If you believe you have a case, it’s important to act quickly. There are statutes of limitations and specific eligibility rules that dictate how long you have to file a claim. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which oversees stockbrokers, has a strict timeline for initiating the arbitration process. Waiting too long can unfortunately mean losing your right to recover any losses, even if your claim is valid. Understanding these deadlines is a critical first step. A securities attorney can help you determine the specific time limits that apply to your situation and ensure you don’t miss your window of opportunity to seek justice.

Your options for legal representation

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Facing a large brokerage firm can feel overwhelming, but legal representation can level the playing field. A law firm that handles investment issues can review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the process of recovering your losses. They can help you gather the necessary documents, build a strong claim, and represent you in proceedings like FINRA arbitration. If you’ve lost money and believe your broker is at fault, the best first step is to contact a law firm for a consultation to understand your rights and potential paths to compensation.

What Are Your Options for Recovering Investment Losses?

Discovering that your investments have suffered significant losses due to potential misconduct can be incredibly disheartening. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that there are established procedures designed to help investors address these situations and seek recovery. If you believe your losses are tied to the actions of a broker like Alvery Bartlett, Jr. or a firm like Berthel Fisher, you have specific avenues you can pursue to hold them accountable. Understanding these options is the first step toward taking control of your financial future.

The FINRA arbitration process

Most disputes between investors and brokerage firms are resolved through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration process. Instead of going to court, you present your case to an impartial arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators who will hear the evidence and make a final, binding decision. This process is typically more efficient and less formal than traditional litigation. Filing a claim involves submitting a statement that details the misconduct and the damages you’ve suffered. For investors with claims against Berthel Fisher, securities arbitration is the primary forum for seeking to recover investment losses. It’s a structured path designed specifically for these types of financial disputes.

How a securities attorney can help

You don’t have to go through the arbitration process alone. A securities attorney can represent your interests every step of the way, from filing the initial claim to arguing your case in the hearing. They handle the complex legal procedures, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong argument on your behalf. Law firms that concentrate on broker fraud and negligence understand the specific rules and strategies involved in these cases. If you’ve lost money investing with Alvery Bartlett, Jr. or another broker, speaking with an attorney can help you understand the strength of your claim and what to expect from the process. A consultation can provide clarity on your specific situation.

Potential paths to recovering your funds

A successful claim often hinges on proving that the broker or firm engaged in misconduct. This could involve recommending unsuitable investments, misrepresenting the risks of a product, or failing to properly supervise a broker’s activities. It’s important to know that brokerage firms like Berthel, Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. may be held liable for the losses their clients suffer due to the actions of their representatives. There are documented cases where Berthel Fisher has been sued for issues related to alternative investment fraud connected to Alvery Bartlett, Jr. Pursuing a claim is a way to address these investment issues and potentially recover your hard-earned money.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Investment Fraud

While you can’t control the market, you can control who you work with and how you approach your investments. Taking a few proactive steps can make a significant difference in protecting your financial future from fraud and negligence. It’s about being informed and staying engaged with your own money. When you know what to look for, you’re in a much stronger position to spot red flags before they become serious problems. Here are three fundamental practices to help safeguard your portfolio and ensure you’re working with people who have your best interests at heart. These simple habits can help you maintain control over your financial journey and build a more secure future.

Research a broker’s background and history

Before you hand over your hard-earned money, it’s crucial to do your homework on the person or firm you plan to work with. Think of it like checking references for a very important job. A great starting point is FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool. This free resource lets you look up the professional history of brokers and investment advisors. You can see their employment history, licenses, and—most importantly—any customer complaints, regulatory actions, or disciplinary events on their record. This simple search can reveal a history of broker fraud and negligence and help you avoid advisors with a pattern of misconduct.

Verify an investment’s suitability and risks

Not every investment is right for every person. A core responsibility of a financial advisor is to recommend investments that are “suitable” for your specific situation. This means they should match your financial goals, age, income, and tolerance for risk. For example, putting a retiree’s entire nest egg into high-risk, illiquid oil and gas products is often a classic example of an unsuitable recommendation. Always ask questions to understand the risks involved with any product. If an advisor can’t explain it clearly or pressures you to invest in something you don’t understand, that’s a major red flag. Be wary of recommendations that over-concentrate your portfolio in one risky area.

Monitor your accounts and ask questions

Your involvement shouldn’t end once the investment is made. Make it a habit to regularly review your account statements. Check for any transactions you don’t recognize, unexplained fees, or performance that seems drastically out of line with the overall market. Don’t be afraid to ask your advisor questions. If you see something confusing, ask for an explanation. A legitimate advisor will welcome your questions and provide clear answers. If you feel like you’re being dismissed, or if the answers don’t add up, it might be time to get a second opinion. If you suspect something is wrong and aren’t getting straight answers, you should contact a securities law firm to understand your options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does it mean for an investment to be “unsuitable”? An unsuitable investment is one that doesn’t fit your personal financial picture. Your broker has a duty to recommend products that align with your age, income, financial goals, and how much risk you’re comfortable taking. For example, if you told your broker you needed to preserve your retirement savings, but they put your money into a high-risk, illiquid oil and gas partnership, that investment was likely unsuitable for you. It’s a fundamental mismatch between the product and your needs.

My broker worked at Berthel Fisher when the investments were made, but he’s at a new firm now. Can Berthel Fisher still be held responsible? Yes, absolutely. A brokerage firm has a legal duty to supervise its employees. If the questionable advice or misconduct occurred while the broker was registered with Berthel Fisher, the firm can be held liable for failing to properly oversee their actions. The responsibility for what happened under their watch doesn’t disappear just because the broker has moved to another company.

How can I tell if my losses are from normal market risk or actual misconduct? All investments carry some risk, and markets go up and down. The key difference is whether your portfolio was set up to fail. If your losses stem from having your account dangerously over-concentrated in a few high-risk products you didn’t fully understand, or if the risks were misrepresented to you, that points toward misconduct. Normal market losses usually occur across a reasonably diversified portfolio, not because your entire nest egg was tied to a single speculative venture.

I’m concerned about the advice I received from Alvery Bartlett, Jr. What is the very first thing I should do? The best first step is to gather all of your documents. Collect your account statements, trade confirmations, and any emails or notes you have from conversations with him. Once you have your paperwork organized, you can get a clear picture of what happened. The next step is to have a professional review your situation to determine if the recommendations made were appropriate for you.

Is it too late to take action if these investments were made several years ago? Not necessarily, but you shouldn’t wait. There are strict time limits, known as statutes of limitation, for filing claims to recover investment losses. These deadlines can be complex and depend on several factors. The most important thing is to act quickly once you suspect a problem. The best way to find out if you are still within the window to file a claim is to discuss the specifics of your case with a securities attorney.