December 5, 2011

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

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.

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