Buddy Dean Mason (CRD #1721391) Has Customer Dispute, Criminal, and Judgment/Lien Disclosures on FINRA BrokerCheck

Buddy Dean Mason (CRD #1721391) was previously registered as a broker. We reviewed his BrokerCheck report on March 25, 2026. It reflects one pending customer dispute, one criminal matter, and three judgment/lien disclosures. If you invested with Buddy Dean Mason and have concerns, keep reading.

BrokerCheck link: BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck report: BrokerCheck Report (PDF)

Investor Disputes / Customer Complaints

Buddy Dean Mason’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects one customer dispute disclosure. A summary of the dispute is below:

On December 29, 2025, a customer alleged Buddy Dean Mason presented an investment opportunity away from the firm that resulted in losses. Buddy Dean Mason’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists the product as Direct Investment-DPP & LP Interests and states the investor sought $175,000 in damages. The matter is pending in a FINRA arbitration filed on November 24, 2025, under docket number 25-02617.

Criminal Charges

Buddy Dean Mason’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects one criminal disclosure. A summary of the matter is below:

On November 26, 2016, formal felony charges were reported in state court based on an out-of-state fugitive warrant. Buddy Dean Mason’s FINRA BrokerCheck report states the underlying allegation involved rape by force, threat, or intimidation and that he entered a not guilty plea. The report states the matter was dismissed on February 2, 2017, and includes Mason’s statement that the case was dismissed.

Judgment / Lien Disclosures

Buddy Dean Mason’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reflects three judgment/lien disclosures. Two examples appear below:

Buddy Dean Mason’s FINRA BrokerCheck report lists a civil judgment/lien for $6,498 filed on July 15, 2011, in Franklin District Court in Franklin, Virginia. The report identifies Midland Funding LLC as the holder and states the judgment/lien remains outstanding.

Buddy Dean Mason’s FINRA BrokerCheck report also lists a civil judgment/lien for $1,088 filed on March 16, 2012, in Franklin District Court in Franklin, Virginia. The report identifies The Willard Companies as the holder and states the judgment/lien remains outstanding. One additional judgment/lien disclosure appears on BrokerCheck.

Rule Summary #1: FINRA Rule 3280 (Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person)

FINRA Rule 3280 requires written notice before an associated person participates in a private securities transaction away from the firm. A claim that a broker presented an outside investment opportunity can raise questions about notice, approval, and firm supervision.

Rule Summary #2: FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability)

FINRA Rule 2111 requires a reasonable basis to believe a recommendation is suitable for the customer. A dispute involving a direct investment can raise questions about risk, liquidity, and whether the recommendation matched the customer’s profile.

Why This Matters to Investors (Regulation Best Interest)

Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) is a U.S. securities regulation. It strengthens the standard of conduct that broker-dealers owe to retail investors. It applies when they recommend securities transactions or investment strategies. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Reg BI. It became effective on June 30, 2020. Reg BI aims to protect investors while preserving access to brokerage products and services.

Reg BI requires broker-dealers and financial advisors to act in a retail customer’s best interest at the time of a recommendation. They must not place their own financial or other interests ahead of the customer’s. This standard is higher than the older “suitability” rule. Suitability meant a recommendation only had to be appropriate. It did not have to be the best option or free of conflicts.

Reg BI has four key obligations:

Disclosure Obligation – Broker-dealers must disclose material facts about the relationship and the recommendation. This includes fees, the scope of services, and conflicts of interest.

Care Obligation – Broker-dealers must use reasonable diligence, care, and skill. They must consider costs, risks, and alternatives when making a recommendation.

Conflict of Interest Obligation – Firms must identify conflicts of interest. They must disclose them and mitigate or eliminate them. This includes conflicts that create incentives to favor one product over another.

Compliance Obligation – Firms must maintain policies and procedures. Those policies should be designed to ensure compliance with Reg BI as a whole.

Reg BI applies to each recommendation. It is not a continuous duty like the fiduciary standard for registered investment advisers. Even so, it narrows the gap. It puts more focus on costs, conflicts, and investor-focused decision-making.

Overall, Regulation Best Interest promotes transparency. It also aims to improve the quality of investment recommendations. It is designed to reinforce trust between retail investors and broker-dealers in the U.S. securities markets.

Background Information (from BrokerCheck)

Based on his FINRA BrokerCheck report, Buddy Dean Mason:

Is not currently registered as a broker.

Has passed the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Buddy Dean Mason has also passed Series 7, Series 6, Series 66, and Series 63.

Was previously registered with firms that include LPL Financial LLC, Allen & Company of Florida, LLC, and First American National Securities, Inc.

Kurta Law Can Help

If you have worked with Buddy Dean Mason and you have concerns about his activity, Kurta Law may be able to help you evaluate your legal options. To speak with Kurta Law, call 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com.

Helpful resources: Selling Away | Securities Attorney

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors and helped hold financial professionals accountable. Our firm represents clients nationwide in securities arbitration and related disputes. If you believe a broker or firm mishandled your account, an attorney can review the facts and explain possible next steps.