We are a society of investors. Americans now put more money into investments each year than into savings accounts. Unfortunately, millions of dollars are lost by South Carolina investors through securities fraud, sales abuses, or an investor's failure to fully educate themselves on a particular issue. Frequently, these losses are from savings that have been painstakingly accumulated over many years or retirement funds that can't be replaced.
Victims are of all ages and levels of sophistication.
In the majority of these losses, none of the investors' money is ever recovered. To help prevent these losses, the Securities Division of the South Carolina Attorney General's Office has established the Investor Education and Information Program. Because state and federal securities regulators can't predict all of the securities frauds and abuses that may occur in South Carolina, the Investor Education and Information Program is designed to help investors protect themselves. The Securities Division also provides free information about the companies and people who sell these investments. You can learn about specific steps to take and agencies to call when you have questions.