Secretary of State Cox Joins in National Warning About
War-Related Investment & Charity Scams

ATLANTA … Secretary of State Cathy Cox today warned Georgians to be wary of war-related consumer scams that have been reported in at least six states in recent weeks.

                Secretary Cox joined the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and other state securities regulators in warning citizens to be suspicious of offers to invest in companies that claim to have devices to detect chemical contamination, kill anthrax spores or protect against germ warfare. Investors should also be cautious of high-pressure solicitations to invest in defense technology, oil and gas enterprises, foreign currencies or precious metals.

             Regulators in at least six states -- Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin -- have recently taken actions against investment promoters pushing oil and gas schemes. Fluctuations in oil prices, supply disruptions and video footage of Iraqi oil fields in flames could make investors even more vulnerable to crooks.

           “Unfortunately, with any disaster, emergency or armed conflict con artists emerge from the shadows to take advantage of the fears of our fellow citizens,” Secretary Cox said. “We saw this occur after the September 11^th terrorist attacks and during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. As the war in Iraq continues, war-related consumer scams will likely proliferate. Georgians need to be aware of these schemes to help them avoid falling prey to these criminals.” she added.

Cox encouraged Georgians to exercise extreme caution in responding to charitable appeals that claim to assist our nation’s servicemen and women– whether coming by phone, e-mail or over the Internet -- originating from any entity other than national charities recommended by the Department of Defense (DOD). DOD has suggested donors consider supporting the American Red Cross, the United Service Organizations (USO) and other selected charitable organizations who have a proven record of assistance to service members. The USO is currently collecting donations for care packages to be sent to overseas military personnel. The care packages include pre-paid international calling cards, sunscreen, toiletries and snacks.  More information on Operation USO Care Package can be found on the Department of Defense website located at http://www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html.  Visitors to the site can also email their thanks to our military men and women currently deployed in Iraq.

Any Georgian who receives a suspicious investment-related or charitable solicitation are asked to immediately contact the Secretary of State’s Securities Division at 404-656-3920.