Former Advisor Sentenced to Over Eight Years for $17 Million Fraud Scheme

Posted on July 22nd, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Former Advisor Sentenced to Over Eight Years for $17 Million Fraud Scheme

A former financial advisor from Pennsylvania has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for defrauding clients out of over $17 million, including his own widowed aunt. Scott Jeffrey Mason, who operated Rubicon Wealth Management, admitted to misappropriating client funds. ThinkAdvisor reports that Mason used the funds to finance personal luxuries ranging from international travel and country club memberships to credit card bills and a miniature golf course investment.

The U.S. District Court in Philadelphia handed down a 97-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. Mason was also ordered to pay approximately $25 million in restitution, though his defense counsel acknowledged that most of the funds are gone, with roughly $3 million expected to be recovered.

In court, Mason took responsibility for betraying the trust of those who relied on him, stating there were no excuses for his actions, according to ThinkAdvisor.

Mason pleaded guilty in January to charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, investment adviser fraud, and filing false income tax returns. The Securities and Exchange Commission brought parallel civil charges, and multiple civil suits from former clients, including one filed by his aunt, remain active.

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

As a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience, I feel fortunate to call Jim my attorney and friend. He is a fantastic lawyer and trusted advisor. He is skilled in the matters necessary to do the job well. He uses his thoughtful approach and calm demeanor to achieve a positive outcome for the client. If you want to feel confident that nothing will be missed and that you will be represented in a highly professional manner, call Jim Eccleston.

Bill C. and Dan M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

March 4, 2026
Modern Fraud Schemes Escalate in Scale and Sophistication

A recent panel discussion at the Financial Services Institute OneVoice conference in San Diego highlighted how rapidly evolving fraud schemes continue to victimize both retail and wealthy investors.

March 3, 2026
FINRA Suspends Former Stifel Broker Over Costly Account Switching Trades

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended a former Stifel, Nicolaus & Co.

March 2, 2026
FINRA Suspends Cetera Broker for Accepting $50,000 Client Bequest Without Firm Approval

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) imposed a $10,000 fine and a seven-month suspension on an independent broker for accepting a $50,000 bequest from a client without obtaining prior firm approval.