Last Updated: February 2025
When entrusting your financial future to a broker-dealer, it’s crucial to understand their regulatory history and track record of customer complaints. Today, we’re examining Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (CRD #14869), a broker-dealer that has faced numerous regulatory actions and customer disputes over the years.
About Ameritas Investment Company
Ameritas Investment Company, LLC is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska and has been registered with FINRA since 1984. The firm conducts 19 different types of business activities and is registered in 51 U.S. states and territories. It operates as both a broker-dealer and investment adviser firm, with Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. owning 75% or more of the company.
Significant Regulatory Issues and Trends
Our analysis of FINRA BrokerCheck records reveals concerning patterns in Ameritas’s regulatory history:
Supervision Failures
- Multiple instances of failing to adequately supervise representatives
- Repeated issues with monitoring outside business activities
- Deficiencies in reviewing and approving communications with the public
Disclosure and Compliance Issues
- Failure to properly disclose material information to customers
- Problems with maintaining proper books and records
- Multiple violations of state securities regulations
Sales Practice Concerns
- Unsuitable investment recommendations
- Issues with variable annuity sales practices
- Problems with mutual fund share class selections
Recent Notable Regulatory Actions
2024 Kentucky Action
- $8,000 fine for failing to timely respond to customer complaints
- Violations of Kentucky insurance code requirements
2022 Nevada Action
- $15,000 fine for failure to supervise registered representatives
- Issues with undisclosed outside business activities
2021 South Dakota Action
- $20,000 fine related to failure to supervise representatives
- Involved unauthorized sales of promissory notes later determined to be a Ponzi scheme
- Over $2.2 million in losses by South Dakota investors
Financial Advisor Complaints And Regulatory Actions
We are investigating financial advisors with this firm and will shortly update with specific individuals who have been or are currently subject to customer complaints and regulatory scrutiny.
Financial Impact on Investors
The firm’s regulatory history shows a pattern of supervisory failures that have led to significant customer losses. In just one case mentioned above, investors lost over $2.2 million due to inadequate supervision of representatives selling fraudulent investments.
Next Steps for Investors
If you’ve lost money while working with Ameritas Investment Company or one of their financial advisors, you may have legal recourse to recover your losses. Common red flags include:
- Unauthorized trading
- Unsuitable investment recommendations
- Misrepresentation or omission of material facts
- Excessive trading or churning
- Sale of unregistered securities
The investment fraud attorneys at Patil Law, P.C. have extensive experience helping investors recover losses from broker-dealers like Ameritas Investment Company. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Don’t wait to take action – there are strict time limitations on when you can file a claim. Contact Patil Law, P.C. today at 800-950-6553 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced investment fraud attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Claims Against Ameritas Investment Company
How do I know if I have a valid claim against Ameritas Investment Company?
Several factors can indicate a potential claim, including:
- Losses that seem unusual or excessive
- Investments that weren’t properly explained
- Recommendations that didn’t match your risk tolerance or investment objectives
- Unauthorized trades in your account
- Concentration in high-risk or unsuitable investments Each situation is unique, which is why we offer free consultations to evaluate your specific case.
How long do I have to file a claim against Ameritas or my financial advisor?
The statute of limitations varies depending on the type of claim and your jurisdiction. Generally, FINRA arbitration claims must be filed within six years of the event giving rise to the dispute. However, some state securities laws may provide different timeframes. It’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your rights.
What kind of compensation can I recover in a claim against Ameritas?
Investors may be eligible to recover:
- Direct investment losses
- Lost opportunity costs
- Interest on losses
- Attorney’s fees (in some cases)
- Punitive damages (in cases of egregious misconduct) The specific amount recoverable depends on the particular facts and circumstances of your case.
How long does the recovery process typically take?
The timeline can vary significantly based on factors such as:
- Complexity of the case
- Number of parties involved
- Whether the case settles or goes to arbitration Most FINRA arbitration cases are resolved within 12-18 months, though some may be resolved more quickly through settlement.
What does it cost to pursue a claim?
At Patil Law, P.C., we handle investment fraud cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No upfront costs to you
- We only get paid if we recover money for you
- Initial consultations are always free This fee structure allows investors to pursue recovery without additional financial risk.
What documents do I need to support my claim?
Important documents may include:
- Account statements
- Trade confirmations
- Correspondence with your advisor
- Account opening documents
- Marketing materials or sales literature
- Tax returns showing investment losses Don’t worry if you don’t have all these documents – we can help obtain necessary records during the course of our representation.
Will I have to go to court?
Most disputes with broker-dealers like Ameritas are resolved through FINRA arbitration rather than court. This process is typically:
- More streamlined than traditional litigation
- Less formal than court proceedings
- Faster than going to court
- Conducted in a location convenient for you
Have additional questions? Contact Patil Law, P.C. now at 800-950-6553 for answers to your specific questions about potential claims against Ameritas Investment Company or your financial advisor. Our experienced investment fraud attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and options for recovery.
This post is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be evaluated individually by qualified legal counsel. For more brokerage firm investigations by Patil Law, please visit the Brokerage Firm Investigations page.