Charles Schwab Faces Multiple Lawsuits Alleging Elder Fraud Neglect

Posted on November 11th, 2024 at 2:45 PM
Charles Schwab Faces Multiple Lawsuits Alleging Elder Fraud Neglect

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

Charles Schwab and its affiliates are under scrutiny after recent lawsuits allege the firm failed to prevent scammers from defrauding elderly clients. According to Financial Planning, an elderly couple claims Schwab allowed fraudsters to drain nearly $30 million from their accounts, transferring funds to a cryptocurrency exchange through Bank of America. According to the lawsuit, scammers converted $18.5 million into cryptocurrency, leaving it unrecoverable.

This case follows similar allegations from recent months. In one instance, a 92-year-old client lost $278,000. Another case saw a FINRA arbitration panel fine TD Ameritrade, now owned by Schwab, $100,000 for allowing a similar fraud. All three cases followed a pattern where scammers posed as financial institution representatives or law enforcement, tricking clients into transferring assets under the guise of protecting their accounts.

Financial Planning reports that a Schwab spokesperson expressed sympathy for the clients but contended that all transfers were client-authorized. That defense may or may not succeed as the cases are fact-specific and Schwab will be held to its customer protection, operations, compliance, and supervisory procedures.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

February 12, 2026
CFTC Signals New Rulemaking for Prediction Markets and Crypto Oversight

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) plans to develop new regulations governing the growing prediction markets industry, Chairman Michael Selig announced, signaling a shift in regulatory strategy.

February 11, 2026
Ameriprise Advisor Phishing Incident Potentially Exposes Client Data

A phishing incident involving an Ameriprise Financial advisor potentially exposed the personal information of hundreds of clients, according to a disclosure posted by the Maine Attorney General’s office.

February 10, 2026
Merrill Lynch Expands Client Disclosures on Crypto and AI Risks

Merrill Lynch updated its required client disclosure brochure to address, for the first time, the evolving risks tied to cryptocurrency-linked investments and the firm’s expanding use of Artificial Intelligence tools.