SEC Charges Florida-Based Company Owner With Stock Fraud

On August 21st, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced stock fraud charges against the owner of a Florida company. Carole A. Liston, the sole owner of two investment entities (Stock Purse Trading LLC and Liston Associates, Inc) has been accused of conducting a $5.7 million stock fraud scheme. Here, our Miami investment fraud lawyer provides a more in-depth overview of the case.

SEC Complaint: Stock Purse Trading LLC and Liston Associates, Inc 

The SEC filed a securities fraud complaint against Carole A. Liston, Stock Purse Trading LLC, and Liston Associates, Inc in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Ms. Liston is a resident of New York, but both companies were registered as investment entities in Florida. Ms. Liston is facing civil securities fraud charges for her role in an alleged $5.7 million offering fraud.

The SEC contends that from 2020 to 2024, Ms. Liston used these companies to lure approximately 200 investors with promises of monthly returns up to 20 percent. In other words, investors were promised that their investment would double within 60 days. However, instead, funds were misused for personal expenses, losses, and Ponzi-like payouts. The SEC seeks penalties and disgorgement. Without admitting wrongdoing, Ms. Liston consented to the permanent injunction. Monetary sanctions are set to be imposed by the court at a later date.

Many Investment Fraud Schemes have a Ponzi-like Structure 

Many investment fraud schemes operate with a Ponzi-like structure. It is a type of structure that involves the money from new investors being used to pay supposed returns to earlier investors. In other words, the Ponzi-like structures create the illusion of a successful and profitable enterprise, even though there is actually not one. That serves to keep the scheme afloat and lure more victims into the scheme. In reality, there is little to no legitimate investment activity generating actual profits. Instead, the fraudster relies on continually attracting new investors to keep the scheme afloat. Once new funds slow down, the structure collapses. All Ponzi schemes will eventually fail.

Note: The SEC warns that unrealistic promises of consistent, high returns are a common red flag of such frauds.

You Have the Right to Seek Compensation for Ponzi Scheme Losses 

You have the right to seek compensation if you lost money in a Ponzi scheme. Fraudsters must be held accountable for their deception, and victims deserve justice. Through legal action, you may be able to recover misappropriated funds and pursue damages. A top-tier Miami, FL securities attorney can help you seek justice and compensation for your damages.

 Contact Our Florida SEC Attorney Today

At ​Carlson & Associates, P.A., our Miami securities fraud lawyer is a strong, experienced advocate for investors. If you suffered losses due to stock fraud, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. From our Miami law office, we represent investors in South Florida and throughout all of the surrounding region.

Source:

sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26379