Secretary of State

214 State Capitol

Atlanta, Georgia 30334

 

       Cathy Cox

SECRETARY OF STATE

       (404) 656-2881

 

 

Consumer Resources

 

 

Investments

To verify that an investment (security) is registered in Georgia call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office (404)656-3920.

 

Get information on a stock broker, brokerage firm, investment adviser or investment adviser representative, by calling the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office at (404)656-3920 to request Central Registration Depository (CRD) information on the individual or the company.  You can also view the information online at www.sos.state.ga.us, go to the Securities page and click on Broker/Securities Firm Search on the index on the left side of the page. 

 

The CRD will provide information such as:

  • Employment history for the last ten years
  • Consumer Complaints
  • Disciplinary Action
  • Current or Pending Arbitration

To learn more about investment issues, visit our web site www.georgiainvests.org

Charities

To verify that a charity is registered in Georgia and obtain financial information on the charity:

  • Call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office at (404)656-3920 or check online at www.sos.state.ga.us.  Move your cursor to the “Securities” title and click on the second option, “Charity Search” to view the charity’s status and some financial information.
  • View financial information submitted by a charity to the Internal Revenue Service at www.guidestar.org, a website hosted by Philanthropic Research, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Telemarketing

To limit unwanted telephone calls, junk mail and e-mail:

 

Federal Do Not Call Registry and the Telemarketing Sales Rule

 

 

If you wish to stop a charity from calling your home, tell the caller that you want to be placed on the charity’s own “No Call List.”  The Federal Telemarketing Sales Rule also prohibits telemarketing calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in the consumer’s time zone.

 

Mail and Junk Mail

 

Credit Card Offers – Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers for two years by calling (888) 567-8688.

 

Contact the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) via letter to request that your name be removed from its members’ marketing lists.

 

Direct Marketing Association                                  Direct Marketing Association

Telephone Preference Service                                  Mail Preference Service

P.O. Box 9014                                                             P.O. Box 9008

Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014                         Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

 

Spam

You can also request that your e-mail address be removed from DMA members’ marketing lists by emailing:

 

Direct Marketing Association                                 

Reduce spam

www.e-mps.org

 

 

Identity Fraud      

If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, you can place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting ONE of the credit reporting agencies listed below.  That agency will then contact the other credit reporting agencies with your fraud alert information and remove your name from pre-approved offers of credit and insurance for two years.

 

Equifax:                       (800) 525-6285

Experian:                    (888) 397-3742

Trans Union:               (800) 680-7289

 

To obtain a free copy of your credit report:

Equifax:                       (800) 685-1111

Experian:                    (888) 397-3742

Trans Union:               (800) 916-8800

 

 

 

 

Other useful telephone numbers:

 

Senior Legal Hotline

Offers free advice on civil legal matters for seniors 60 years-old and older.

 

(404)657-9915                                               

(888)257-9519

 

 

Senior Adult Victim Advocate Program (SAVA)

Serves as a liaison with the court system and social service agencies for victims age 60 years-old and older who have been financially, physically, or mentally exploited or abused.  SAVA provides counseling, monitoring and support.  Volunteer opportunities are also available.

 

(404)657-5250

(888)774-0152