GA Sec & Investments (Georgia)

Investigate Before You Invest

A publication distributed by Barry Reid, Administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, Secretary of State Cathy Cox, and Attorney General Thurbert Baker

Securities Firms and Investment Advisors

The Secretary of State regulates issuers of securities, securities firms, securities salespersons and investment advisors doing business in Georgia. Securities are stocks and bonds, promissory notes, limited partnerships and other investment transactions that are more complex. Nearly all security offerings, securities salespeople and investment advisors who manage less than $25 million in investments must be registered with the Secretary of State.

If someone selling securities contacts you, remember:

You have the right to receive information about the salesperson, his or her firm and the investment itself.

Salespersons must confirm whether they or their employer are registered with the Secretary of State.

Many securities sold over the telephone are for poorly capitalized companies, for which there has been no previous public sale of stock. Such investments are generally much riskier than investing in established companies with long-standing operating histories.

Before sending any money to the salesperson, you should read and understand a prospectus, which contains key information about the issuer.

For any investment, be wary of a sales pitch where the salesperson tells you "inside information," makes an offer solely on a "one-time" basis, or promises that the investment will yield a large return.

To screen unfamiliar companies for reports of fraudulent activity, call the following groups:

The Office of the Secretary of State
Division of Securities and Business Regulation
2 M. L. King Jr. Drive, Suite 802
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Telephone: 404.656.3920

Securities Brokers/Dealers
404.656.2895

Investment Advisors and Financial Planners
404.657.1848

National Fraud Information Center1
.800.876.7060

Georgia Better Business Bureau offices
Check Your Local Telephone Listings

Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs
404.651.8600
- or -
1.800.869.1123 toll free in Georgia, outside the Atlanta dialing area