Securities Fraud Laws
Generally investors are given powerful rights to recover from the perpetrators of investment fraud. Potential defendants include sellers, officers and directors, other participants, and those who materially aid the fraud. Oregon has a significantly higher standard of protection from those who "materially aid" than Washington reaching even to lawyers doing ordinary legal work. Stock brokers and their firms are also liable in certain circumstances. These investment professionals are required to recommend only investments suitable for the investor's objectives. They are also fiduciaries who must put the client first, particularly before their desire to obtain commissions.