About Our Office

The Indiana Secretary of State Securities Division is responsible for combating securities fraud here at home by making sure that securities activities occurring in the state are properly registered or qualify for appropriate exemptions. Securities—investments with different degrees of risk, and different expectations of return—can include stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investments.

The Secretary of State's office also oversees Indiana's mortgage brokers, collection agencies, franchisors and continuing care retirement centers. But perhaps most importantly, it is the state agency responsible for investor protection and education.

Anyone can become a victim of fraud, regardless of level of education or professional experience. Con artists know how to gain an investor's trust and will prey on any vulnerability a victim may have.

Investor education helps consumers understand the most common types of schemes, scams and fraud. When Hoosiers are alerted about the common types of investor fraud, they can learn how to avoid suspicious and risky investments and better protect their finances.

To help Hoosiers protect their assets, the Secretary of State's office conducts searches free of charge on the registration of:

• Securities
• Franchises
• Loan brokers
• Exemption filings
• Broker dealers
• Investment advisors
• Enforcement actions

In addition, if you have been the victim of investment fraud of any kind, you can report it to our office. The Secretary of State will try to recover your lost assets, if possible, and determine if an illegal action took place. Your report may also help to protect other consumers who could be taken advantage of in the future through similar schemes.

Call the Indiana Secretary of State Fraud Hotline at 1-800-223-8791. Or, click here.