Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

SEC Charges California Advisory Firm with Operating a Ponzi-Style Scheme

Posted on October 20th, 2022 at 12:49 PM
SEC Charges California Advisory Firm with Operating a Ponzi-Style Scheme

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged JMJ Capital Group and its president, Richard Ramirez, with fraudulently raising millions of dollars from California-based investors.

According to the SEC, the defendants informed potential investors between 2019 and 2021 that they could earn returns of up to 30% via short-term investments in JMJ Capital, and that the investments could be easily withdrawn at the conclusion of a 30-90 day lockup period. The defendants additionally represented that their capital would be used to purchased receivables and personal protective equipment (PPE), according to the SEC. However, investors struggled to withdraw their investments while the defendants misappropriated investor funds to repay earlier investors in Ponzi-style fashion.

The SEC’s complaint alleged that Ramirez used the stolen money to cover personal expenses as well as to fund the purchases of luxury automobiles, trips to Hawaii, and tickets to Disneyland and Legoland. The defendants generated millions from at least forty California-based investors by making the false representations, according to the SEC. Furthermore, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California has filed criminal charges against Ramirez and JMJ Capital in a parallel action.

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, advisors, law, sec

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

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

1784134373 Law
July 15, 2026
LPL Financial Faces Class Action Over Phoenix Annuity Disclosures

LPL Financial faces a proposed class action lawsuit alleging that the firm failed to warn annuity investors about the declining financial condition of Phoenix PHL Variable Insurance Company.

1784046159 Law
July 14, 2026
Mariner Wealth Advisors Reports Data Breach Affecting Nearly 9,000 Customers

Mariner Wealth Advisors LLC disclosed a data breach that exposed personal information of 8,995 customers, according to AdvisorHub.

1783957061 Law
July 13, 2026
FINRA Warns of Growing Risks From Finfluencers and AI-Driven Investment Content

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) regulators are raising concerns about the increasing influence of social media personalities and artificial intelligence (AI) on retail investors, particularly those managing their own investments without professional guidance.