Merrill Lynch Sued By Customer For Misrepresentation
November 7, 2017
Phil Scott (also known as Walter Philip Schlaepfer), of Bellevue, Washington, a stockbroker formerly registered with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, has been named in a customer initiated investment related arbitration claim, which settled for $125,000.00 in damages supported by allegations of misrepresentation and unsuitable investment recommendations having been made in regard to direct investment products purchased by the customers between September of 2013 and September of 2015. FINRA Arbitration No. 16-00700 (Aug. 23, 2017).

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Public Disclosure confirms that Scott is the subject of six more customer initiated investment related disputes concerning accusations of Scott’s improper conduct while employed with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. In particular, on January 18, 2001, a customer filed an investment related written complaint pertaining to Scott’s conduct, where the customer requested $100,000.00 in damages founded upon allegations that Scott failed to execute the customer’s equity investment instructions. Then, on January 31, 2008, a customer filed an investment related written complaint regarding Scott’s activities, based upon allegations that Scott made stock recommendations to the customer that were not suitable.

Subsequently, a customer was awarded $880,000.00 in compensatory damages according to an investment related arbitration claim concerning Scott’s misconduct, containing findings of gross negligence, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and unsuitability in regard to securities transactions effected in the customer’s investment account. FINRA Arbitration No. 09-06762 (June 23, 2011). Another customer was awarded $800,219.00 in compensatory damages in reference to an arbitration claim, based upon findings that included unsuitable investment recommendations, breach of fiduciary and contractual duties, misrepresentation, violation of the Washington Securities Act, and violation of the Michigan Securities Act. FINRA Arbitration No. 10-03400 (Jan. 13, 2012).

Moreover, Scott has been ordered to pay a customer $1,100,000.00 in damages according to a customer arbitration resulting in findings of omissions and misrepresentations relating to the customer’s equity portfolio investments; violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act; negligence; and unsuitability. FINRA Arbitration No. 11-00867 (Dec. 11, 2012). Further, a customer initiated investment related arbitration claim regarding Scott’s activities was resolved for $337,500.00 in damages based upon allegations of suitability and misrepresentation. FINRA Arbitration No. 12-03954 (June 26, 2013).

Scott has been registered with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. since October 26, 1984.
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https://securitiesarbitrations.com/phil-scott-schlaepfer/