On June 12, 2020, the SEC filed a Complaint alleging multiple instances of fraud against Frederick M. Stow, a Tennessee-based broker at Raymond James & Associates, Inc. The SEC alleges that Stow stole over $900,000 from one of his clients, a World War II. The elder exploitation victim was Stow’s client for nearly 40 years, electing to remain with Stow whenever Stow relocated to another firm. Between October 2015 and April 2019, Stow sold securities in his client’s IRA and subsequently forged wire transfer Letters of Authorization in order to transfer the sales proceeds into his own account. The client passed away in March 2019 at the age of 98. Following his passing, the executor of the estate repeatedly requested explanations for the suspicious wire transfers. Stow then confessed his theft to his supervisor and was terminated by Raymond James. The SEC also alleges that Stow stole $32,000 from a separate client in April 2019.
Elder exploitation of this nature is not uncommon in the financial services industry. Numerous stockbrokers have been imprisoned as a result of their greed. It is only because of an estate executor’s due diligence that this theft was discovered. For ideas on how you can help your friends or relatives avoid being a victim of this type of crime, feel free to call me.
If you wish to discuss any securities related question, please contact David A. Weintraub, P.A., 7805 SW 6th Court, Plantation, FL 33324. By phone: 954.693.7577 or 800.718.1422.