Don't Just Invest.
Verify.
Somebody has a great story. Somebody has a deck. Somebody says “bro, this thing is going to explode.” Cool. Before one dollar moves, find out whether the person, firm and offering are operating under the securities laws that apply to you.
It's not “YOLO, I got this.”
At this firm, it's check first.
There are two layers.
Securities are regulated federally and by the states. State securities statutes are commonly called Blue Sky laws. Depending on the deal, seller, adviser, exemption and transaction, federal law, state law, or both may apply.
Check the person.
Is the broker, adviser, salesperson or representative actually registered?
Check the firm.
Verify the legal entity, registration status, disclosures and disciplinary history.
Check the offering.
Some offerings register; others rely on exemptions. “Exempt” does not mean “anything goes.”
Before money moves.
- Search the person and firm through Investor.gov, IAPD and/or FINRA BrokerCheck.
- Check your state securities regulator and the state where the seller or issuer operates.
- Ask exactly what security or ownership interest you are purchasing.
- Ask whether the offering is registered or relying on an exemption—and which one.
- Get risks, fees, ownership terms and use of proceeds in writing.
- Verify where your money is actually going and who controls the account.
- Search disciplinary history, complaints, bankruptcies and regulatory actions.
- If someone pressures you not to call a regulator or attorney, treat that as a major warning sign.
Georgia has rules too.
Georgia's Secretary of State Securities Division administers and enforces the Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008. It registers securities offered or sold in Georgia and oversees firms and individuals selling securities or providing investment advice in the state.
And Georgia is not special. Every state has a securities regulator. Exact statutes, exemptions, filing requirements and enforcement structures vary.
All 50 states.
Use the regulator in the investor's state, the issuer's state, and other involved states when appropriate. Agencies sometimes reorganize; the NASAA directory is the fallback if a state changes its URL.
Investor education only—not legal, tax, securities, or investment advice. Securities law is fact-specific and changes. Confirm registration or exemption questions with the appropriate regulator and qualified securities counsel before money is raised or invested.
Know What You're Buying.
Know Who You're Buying It From.
A slick website, handshake, private Discord, dinner pitch, token, LLC agreement or somebody saying “trust me” does not erase securities law.
Verify first. Invest second.
— Capt.
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