Notice to Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Investors: Law Firm of David R. Chase, P.A. Announces Its Investigation of Potential Claims Against Securities Brokerage Firms to Recover REIT Losses

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Law Firm of David R. Chase, P.A., representing defrauded investors nationwide and headed by former SEC Prosecutor, David R. Chase, announces that it is investigating potential arbitration claims against securities brokerage firms for their recommendation and sale of certain real estate investment trusts.

REITS, both public and privately held (non-traded), have been sold to the investing public by certain securities brokerage firms and their financial representatives as safe, stable, income-producing and low-risk, when in fact they were high-risk, illiquid and speculative. Further, certain classes of investors, particularly the elderly and retirees, may not have been suitable for a particular REIT, or for the high level of concentration of real estate investment trusts placed in their portfolios. Several REITS have lost a substantial percentage of their values, and REIT investors have been severely damaged.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is reported to be investigating its member securities firms' marketing and sales practices with respect to their sale of non-traded REITS to investors. In fact, in October 2011, FINRA released a new Investor Alert "Public Non-Traded REITs - Perform a Careful Review Before Investing."     

If you purchased a REIT, including -- KBS REIT I, KBS REIT II, Behringer Harvard Opportunity REIT I, Inc., Behringer Harvard Short Term Opportunity Fund I, LP, CIP Leveraged Fund Advisors, LLC, Inland American, Wells Timberland or others -- based upon a recommendation of your stock broker and have lost money as a result, you may have a claim to recover your damages.  

The Law Office of David R. Chase, P.A., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, represents investors nationwide. The Firm's principal, David R. Chase, has been practicing for almost two decades, is AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell -- its highest competence and ethics rating -- and previously served as a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Prosecutor. More about the firm is available on its website at: www.davidchaselaw.com.

Cases taken on a contingency fee. For a free and confidential consultation, please contact: