Scott J. Mason

At ChapmanAlbin LLC, we are dedicated to exposing investment fraud and helping investors seek justice. The latest case of alleged misconduct involves Pennsylvania-based investment adviser Scott J. Mason and his firms, Rubicon Wealth Management, LLC and Orchard Park Real Estate Holdings LLC. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged Mason with misappropriating over $20 million from at least 13 advisory clients over a decade-long period.

The Allegations

According to the SEC’s complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Mason engaged in unauthorized transfers of client funds between 2014 and 2024. Rather than investing the money as intended, he allegedly funneled client assets into his own accounts and the accounts of his businesses.

Mason is accused of using client funds for personal expenses, including:

• Country Club Dues – Spending investors’ money on his own leisure activities.
• Transferring Funds to Other Clients – A classic hallmark of Ponzi-like behavior.
• Purchasing a Miniature Golf Course – Using client funds for personal business ventures.

To conceal his scheme, the SEC alleges that Mason forged client signatures and provided fraudulent account statements and tax documents, deceiving clients into believing their investments were secure.

Legal Charges and Consequences

The SEC has charged Mason, Rubicon, and Orchard Park with violating:

• Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 (anti-fraud provisions).
• Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which prohibit fraudulent practices by investment advisers.

Mason and his firms have consented to permanent injunctions, barring them from future violations. However, the court will determine the amount of disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and civil penalties at a later date.

In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has announced criminal charges against Mason, signaling the severity of his alleged misconduct.

Protecting Yourself Against Investment Fraud

Cases like Mason’s highlight the critical need for due diligence when choosing an investment adviser. To protect your financial future:

• Verify Credentials – Use the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database to check for red flags.
• Request Independent Statements – Always verify account statements directly with custodians.
• Watch for Suspicious Activity – Be wary of unusual transactions, unauthorized transfers, or excuses for missing funds.

ChapmanAlbin Can Help

If you or someone you know invested with Scott J. Mason, Rubicon Wealth Management, or Orchard Park Real Estate Holdings and suffered losses, you may have legal options to recover your funds. Our experienced team at ChapmanAlbin LLC specializes in investor fraud cases and can guide you through your next steps.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and stay informed by visiting our website for the latest investor alerts. We are committed to holding fraudulent advisers accountable and helping victims reclaim their hard-earned investments.