
Silver Law Group has filed a class action for clients who lost money investing in Hedgehog Investments, a Utah-based company that raised millions through promissory notes, promising to use the funds to help growing businesses. However, a May 2025 Emergency Order issued by the Utah Division of Securities reveals significant issues with the company’s operations.
The order states that Hedgehog Investments was never licensed to offer or sell securities, or provide investment advice, and that investor funds were misused. Additionally, the order found that the company made false statements and failed to disclose critical facts, leading to accusations of securities fraud and unlawful, unlicensed activities.
The order also highlighted concerning backgrounds of Hedgehog Investments’ principals. CEO Matthew Bates is a convicted felon who must register as a sex offender, while Will Vigil, who controlled various bank accounts receiving investor money, has a long criminal history and is listed on Utah’s “Buyer Beware” list for prior business issues. Another principal, Frances Palacios, faced professional conduct violations in her legal career.
Ultimately, the class action alleges that investor money was lost in a massive Ponzi scheme intentionally orchestrated by Hedgehog’s principals with the assistance of others.
These findings raise serious concerns about the legitimacy of Hedgehog Investments and its principals, prompting Silver Law Group to investigate possible claims on behalf of affected investors. We handle cases involving Ponzi schemes, investment fraud, and professional misconduct by financial advisors, banks, lawyers, auditors and others. Investors who lost money in Hedgehog Investments may be able to recover their losses through legal action, with Silver Law Group offering free consultations and handling cases on a contingency fee basis.
Click here to see the official complaint: 2026-01-15 – DE 1 – Class Action Complaint