Update on KBS Non-Traded REIT Securities Fraud Investigation

KBS Non-Traded REIT Investment Losses

KBS non-traded REIT was quick to file an Amended Free Writing Prospectus (FWP) with the SEC after Keith D. Hall, KBS Capital Advisor co-founder and managing partner, appeared on Fox Business. The document filed on February 20^th, 2013 is intended to correct and clarify approximately 15 statements Hall made in the 5 min TV segment titled “Non-Traded REITS Investing 101.”

KBS headquarters are located in Newport Beach, Calif. According to their website KBS began as a real estate investment company to provided real estate investments on behalf of large institutional clients. In 2005 KBS Capital Advisors was created to manage the assets of KBS non-traded REIT.

For prospective Real Estate investors, Hall’s interview was very persuasive in promoting non-traded REITs like those offered by KBS. However, the FWP document not only clarifies, it sheds light on some of the risks involved in non-traded REITs.

For example, Hall commented “…there is no volatility in the stock.” However, the FWP points out that even though non-traded REIT shares are not subject to broader market volatility, that the value of the REIT may be volatile.  Investors in KBS Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., know this to be true. Shares purchased between 2006 and 2008 initially for $10.00 per share are currently valued at $5.18 as of December 18, 2012.

Risks with Non-Traded REITS

There is an inherent risk with non-trade REITs, as with any investment, and it is the responsibility of the brokerage firm selling the non-traded REIT to adequately disclose all risks. Non-trade REITs are not suitable for investors who need liquidity in their investment. Other suitability factors that should be considered by a brokerage firm prior to recommending a non-traded REIT are age, financial needs, and risk tolerance to name a few.

However, many brokerage firms overlook suitability regulations set forth by the SEC to earn the high commission that non-trade REITs, like KBS, offer.  KBS Real Estate Investment Trust REITs offer a 6.5% sales commission, in addition to a 3.0% dealer manager fee.

Brokerage firms that do not perform adequate due diligences on an investment or demonstrate a breach of fiduciary duty can be held accountable for losses incurred through FINRA arbitration.

The White Law Group continues to investigate FINRA arbitration claims involving KBS Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc., KBS Real Estate Investment Trust II, KBS Real Estate Investment Trust III, KBS Strategic Opportunity REIT, and KBS Legacy Partners Apartment REIT.

Recovery of Investment Losses

If you invested in a KBS non-traded REIT and would like to discuss you litigation options, please call the securities attorneys of The White Law Group at 888-637-5510 for a free consultation.

The White Law Group, LLC is a national securities fraud, securities arbitration, investor protection, and securities regulation/compliance law firm with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Franklin, Tennessee.

For more information on The White Law Group, visit https://whitesecuritieslaw.com