Mary Duffman Involved In Merrill Lynch Client Dispute About Unauthorized Trading

Mary Webb Duffman (also known as Mary Joann Webb-Zelinsky and Mary Joann Zelinsky), a securities broker in Raleigh, North Carolina (CRD: 4651571), is the subject of a client complaint involving potential investor losses, according to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) BrokerCheck disclosures. Duffman has been registered with Merrill Lynch as a broker since September 22, 2005, and as a financial advisor since March 7, 2006. Here is what the complaint involved and how it was resolved.

Merrill Lynch Investor Accused Mary Duffman Of Unauthorized Trading

A Merrill Lynch client accused Mary Duffman of unauthorized trading between November 24, 2025, and May 7, 2026. Merrill Lynch received the complaint on May 7, 2026. Merrill Lynch settled the complaint on July 13, 2026, by paying the client $21,600. Duffman did not contribute to the settlement. According to Duffman, the settlement reimbursed managed account fees scheduled to be charged between July 2026 and March 2027.

What Unauthorized Trading Generally Means

Unauthorized trading generally means a broker or financial advisor buys or sells securities in a client’s account without permission and without discretionary authority to make the trade. Whether trading was authorized can depend on account agreements, communications, and applicable rules.

Can You Recover Investment Losses Involving Mary Duffman?

If you suffered investment losses because of Mary Duffman, you can contact Soreide Law Group online or at (888) 760-6552. Speak with a securities attorney about possible recovery. The firm has recovered losses for investors throughout the United States, works on a contingency fee basis, and advances all costs. Duffman and the brokerage firms she worked for deny allegations of sales practice violations.