Fraud usually involves intentional misconduct, while negligence usually involves careless conduct. A claim based on fraud sometimes can be challenging to prove because it requires showing an element of intent or at least recklessness. By contrast, a claim based on negligence requires only proof that a securities broker or firm failed to use the appropriate care under the circumstances. In either situation, an investor must show that the fraud or negligence resulted in quantifiable losses. This often involves calculating the projected value of their account had the broker or firm acted appropriately.