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The Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) provides this directory as part of its mission to provide investor education and for fraud prevention. (Published September 18, 2007)

NOTE: ASC does not endorse, nor is it responsible for, any companies, products, or services featured at the web sites listed in this directory. The Internet is a dynamic environment; sites and links can change, expire, or be moved at anytime. We have endeavored to provide information that is current and accurate.

RESEARCHING OLD STOCK CERTIFICATES AND BONDS

KEY INVESTOR EDUCATION, FRAUD PREVENTION AND PERSONAL FINANCE INFORMATION WEBSITES:

North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) (http://www.nasaa.org) - Organized in 1919, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) is the oldest international organization devoted to investor protection. NASAA is a voluntary association whose membership consists of 67 state, provincial, and territorial securities administrators in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. In the United States, NASAA is the voice of the 50 state securities agencies responsible for efficient capital formation and grass-roots investor protection. The ASC is an active member of NASAA and recommends their website as an excellent source for investor education and securities industry regulatory information.

Jump$tart (http://www.jumpstart.org ) - Jump$tart's aim is to identify high-quality personal finance materials for educational use. The Clearing House (http://www.jumpstart.org/search.cfm) is a database of personal finance resources available from a variety of education providers such as government, business and non-profit organizations. Once you find a material of interest, you can order it directly from the source. Many of the materials are low cost or free of charge. Teachers often use these personal finance teaching materials to support their state's standards in economics, business, math and family and consumer science.

Alabama Jump$tart (http://www.aljumpstart.org) - The Alabama Jump$tart Coalition is comprised of over 200 organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, and corporations. Working together we are able to join forces to improve the personal financial literacy of Alabama's youth. ASC is an active member, please visit this website to see some of the activities benefiting the youth of Alabama.

Investor Protection Trust (IPT) (http://www.investorprotection.org) - The Investor Protection Trust (IPT) provides independent, objective information needed by consumers to make informed investment decisions. Founded in 1993 as part of a multi-state settlement to resolve charges of misconduct, IPT’s charter consists of two major functions: serving as an independent source of non-commercial investor education materials and assisting in the prosecution of securities fraud. The ASC works with the IPT to assist other agencies in Alabama to receive grants from IPT settlement funds.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (http://www.sec.gov/investor.shtml) - The mission of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. The SEC oversees the key participants in the securities world, including securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds. Here the SEC is concerned primarily with promoting the disclosure of important market-related information, maintaining fair dealing, and protecting against fraud. The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy provides a variety of services to address the problems and questions faced by investors.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (http://www.finrafoundation.org )) - The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. Created in July 2007 through the consolidation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and the member regulation, enforcement and arbitration functions of the New York Stock Exchange, FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation and complementary compliance and technology-based services. The FINRA Investor Education Foundation, formerly known as the NASD Investor Education Foundation, supports innovative research and educational projects that give investors the tools and information they need to better understand the markets and the basic principles of saving and investing.

Social Security Administration (SSA) (www.socialsecurity.gov) - If Social security taxes were taken from your earnings during your working career, Social Security entitlements may be an important part of your financial plan and estate. This website has retirement calculators, answers to entitlement questions, opportunities to file online for benefits, and further contact information.

KEY WEBSITES WITH INFORMATION ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (http://www.ftc.gov) - The FTC enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. It seeks to ensure that the nation's markets function competitively, and are vigorous, efficient, and free of undue restrictions. The FTC also works to enhance the smooth operation of the marketplace by eliminating acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive. The FTC also offers valuable information to help consumers avoid identity theft.

Alabama Attorney General (http://www.ago.state.al.us/consumer.cfm) - Identity theft has become a serious problem in Alabama and throughout the nation. Solicitations made by criminals to Alabama consumers via unscrupulous e-mail contacts have made it easier to obtain their sensitive personal data electronically. In Alabama, identity theft is a crime and the ASC works closely with the Alabama Attorney General’s office to secure arrests and convictions of these internet criminals and safeguard investors’ life savings.

KEY WEBSITES FOR BANKING AND INSURANCE IN ALABAMA:

State of Alabama Banking Department (http://www.banking.alabama.gov/) - The Alabama Banking Department regulates all state chartered banks, trust companies, and various providers of consumer credit. A primary objective of the Department is to assure the citizens of Alabama that state-chartered financial institutions providing banking and other financial services are operated in a safe and sound manner.

Alabama Department of Insurance (http://aldoi.gov/Consumers/default.aspx) - The Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) serves Alabama citizens by regulating the insurance industry, providing consumer protection, promoting market stability and enforcing fire safety standards and laws. The ALDOI offers a number of informative consumer brochures online explaining many life and health topics of importance to Alabama citizens.

The Director of the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) cautions potential investors to thoroughly check out any investment opportunity. For inquiries regarding securities dealers, to report suspected fraud, or obtain consumer information Contact the ASC by:

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