|

December 5, 2011

FINRA Fines Wells Investment Securities, Inc., for Misleading Marketing Materials

business man holding his head with text asking questions about stock broker misconduct

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced that it has fined Wells Investment Securities, Inc. $300,000 for using misleading marketing materials in the sale of Wells Timberland REIT, Inc., a non-traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT).

It was noted that Wells was the dealer-manager and wholesaler for the public offering of Wells Timberland REIT, which invested in timber-producing land. As the wholesaler, Wells was to reviewe, approve and distribute the marketing materials for Wells Timberland.

It was announced that FINRA found from May, 2007 through September, 2009, Wells reviewed, approved and distributed 116 advertising and sales materials containing misleading, unwarranted or exaggerated statements. For example, Wells Timberland's initial offering prospectus stated that it intended to qualify as a REIT for the tax year that ended Dec. 31, 2006; however, it did not qualify for REIT election until the tax year that ended Dec. 31, 2009. The majority of the advertisements and sales literature failed to disclose the significance of Wells Timberland's non-REIT status or suggested that Wells Timberland was a REIT at a time when in fact it had not qualified as a REIT. The communications also contained misleading statements regarding Wells Timberland's portfolio diversification and ability to make distributions and redemptions.

Securities Attorney, Lars Soreide, of Soreide Law Group, PLLC, has represented clients nationwide. If you or a family member have experienced losses through Wells Investment Securities, Inc., or Wells Timberland REIT, Inc., call a Securities Arbitration Lawyer for a free consultation on how to potentially recover your losses. To speak with an attorney, call 888-760-6552, or visit www.securitieslawyer.com.

Soreide Law Group, PLLC., representing investors nationwide before FINRA the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Contact us

S H A R E T H I S P O S T

Recent Posts

August 17, 2026

Jeffrey L Bangerter of Concorde Investments & Formerly of Berthel Fisher

Soreide Law Group has filed a FINRA arbitration on behalf of our clients (Claimants) against: CONCORDE INVESTMENTS SERVICES, LLC, and BERTHEL, FISHER & COMPANY FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC (Respondents). The Claimants are in their late 70s, retired, and according to the lawsuit, were not looking to take any unnecessary risks with their retirement savings. The Claimants […]

August 17, 2026

THEODORE W BYRER Suspended by FINRA

THEODORE WILLIAM BYRER (THEODORE W BYRER, TED BYRER) was registered as a broker with MORGAN STANLEY of Indianapolis, Indiana, from 11/11/2013 - 04/20/2023. He was most recently registered with INTERNATIONAL ASSETS ADVISORY, INC of Westfield, Indiana, from 05/09/2023 - 09/17/2024. According to his BrokerCheck CRD report, dated 7/23/2026, THEODORE W BYRER was suspended for 14 […]

August 13, 2026

MARK L SULLIVAN Fined and Suspended

MARK LAWRENCE SULLIVAN (MARK SULLIVAN, MARK L SULLIVAN), formerly with UBS Wealth Management USA in New York City, was fined $10,000 and suspended for three months by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) over allegations that he traded in customers’ accounts without the proper approval. Sullivan was previously registered both as a broker and as an […]

Contact us Nationwide USA

2401 E. Atlantic Blvd., Suite 305, Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Phone: 1-888-760-6552
Fax: 1-954-760-6553
Email: info@securitieslawyer.com

Helping clients recover money across the USA