Travis Jerome Hughes, Broker with Cetera Advisors, Facing Pending Customer Disputes Alleging Unsuitable Investment Recommendations

INVESTORS: Cetera Advisors broker Travis Jerome Hughes is facing pending customer disputes alleging unsuitable investment recommendations.

Travis Jerome Hughes (CRD#: 1532177) is registered as a broker and investment adviser with Cetera Advisors, where he’s been employed since 2016. Hughes was previously registered as a broker and investment adviser with Investors Capital from 2008 until 2016.

Hughes has eleven disclosures on his BrokerCheck report. Four customer disputes filed against Hughes were denied and one was dismissed.

October 2021 Customer Dispute

Status: Pending

Allegations: Claimant alleges that their registered representative recommended unsuitable investments.

Broker Comment: This is not a claim against the advisor. The advisor, Travis Hughes, is a non party. Client has numerous accounts/investments with healthy gains. All investments were suitable.

August 2009 Customer Dispute

Status: Settled

Allegations: Claimants sustained unrealized market losses and now claim that the variable life insurance policies purchased in 2005 were unsuitable.

Claimants also allege that they were unfamiliar with the features of variable life insurance products and unaware that their value was dependent upon market performance. Claimants seek unspecified damages from multiple defendants. See comments section.

Settlement Amount: $10,000.00

Broker Comment: While maintaining this claim’s lack of merit, a business decision was made to settle this matter for a nominal sum solely to avoid the time and expense associated with a protracted legal dispute. Matter settled for $10,000, with $4,500 paid by Axa and $5,500 paid by the representative.

August 2008 Employment Separation After Allegations

Firm Name: Axa Advisors, LLC

Termination Type: Discharged

Allegations: Failure to follow compliance policies and procedures while on enhanced supervision.

February 2007 Customer Dispute

Status: Settled

Allegations: Client alleges that the sale of three variable life insurance policies were unsuitable investments based on her financial objectives and background. Client is requesting to cancel the policies waiving surrender charges and to return all premiums with interest.

In addition, client is requesting the sum of $25,000, which represents damages incurred and an additional amount of $10,000 which represents work to be performed in relation to scheduling documentation concerning her divorce proceedings.

Damage Amount Requested: $285,000.00

Settlement Amount: $289,000.00

Broker Comment: The firm agreed to cancel the life insurance policies and refund the premiums paid minus the loans taken. In addition, the firm reimbursed the client an additional sum of $5,000 and legal fees incurred. As a result, the loss to the firm was $289,000.

December 2006 Customer Dispute

Status: Settled

Allegations: Client alleges he was advised to purchase a 1994 paid up variable life insurance policy for twenty thousand dollars that would provide a 150,000 death benefit.

Client further alleges that he was informed that his policy will terminate without value unless he continues to make payment. Client alleges this is not what he was originally told and would like the matter investigated and corrected. Damages are unspecified.

Settlement Amount: $25,000.00

Broker Comment: The firm agreed to the return of the variable policy for cancellation. The agent did not contribute towards the settlement of the matter. Loss to firm: $25,000.00.

April 2006 Customer Dispute

Status: Settled

Allegations: Plaintiff alleges fraud, misrepresentation and breach of contract for products and services that were unsuitable for plaintiff’s needs. Damages unspecified.

Settlement Amount: $350,000.00

Broker Comment: The matter was settled for $350,000. $280,000 of the amount was paid by RR Travis Hughes Errors and Omissions insurance carrier on his behalf.

Contact Us Today

The Sonn Law Group is currently investigating allegations surrounding Travis Jerome Hughes. We represent investors in claims against negligent brokers and brokerage firms. If you or your loved one experienced investment losses, we are here to help. For a free consultation, please call us now at 866-827-3202 or complete our contact form.