Money | Bernard Madoff 2 Madoff Victims Sue SEC Regulators are responsible for victims' losses, suit claims By Nick McMaster Posted Oct 14, 2009 3:32 PM CDT Copied Besieged money manager Bernard Madoff arrives at Federal Court in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson) Two investors who lost a combined $2.4 million to Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme have sued the SEC for negligence. The lawsuit argues that the commission should reimburse the plaintiffs for their losses because it failed in its duty to protect investors. Regulators had "countless opportunities" to catch Madoff "and botched all of them," it says. "Instead of watching the backs of ... investors, the SEC—through its negligence—was effectively watching Bernie Madoff's back," says the plaintiffs' attorney, reports CNNMoney. "Now it is time for the SEC to be held accountable and for the federal government to do what the law says it must do: compensate the victims for its negligence." Read These Next Formal dining rooms may soon be a thing of the past. She wanted her widowed dad to find love. Just not with this woman. Luddites will rejoice at this return to analog. Evangeline Lilly: I suffered brain damage in fall. Report an error