If you are a securities broker accused of fraud, you should immediately contact an experienced securities law attorney to discuss your situation. Under applicable state and federal laws, securities law violations can have very severe consequences, including large civil fines, restitution to victims of fraud, criminal prosecution, and even incarceration for a number of years. Therefore, it is essential to take allegations of fraud seriously, even if you believe the complaints to be unfounded. For instance, if a complaint of fraud has been filed against you with a state or federal agency, you must be prepared for that agency's investigation, which may include not only an investigation of a particular client's account, but also an investigation of your business practices as a whole. A savvy securities law attorney can assist you in preparing for the investigation, as well as give you advice regarding ways to improve your business practices so as to minimize the risk of liability for fraud claims.