Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
   Our mid-September meeting kicked off with a bevy of announcements and happy bucks, and concluded with informative presentation about the critical role the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division plays in educating and protecting consumers from “too-good-to-be-true” investments and scam artists.
Randy Brooks reminded us to mark our calendars for the following upcoming events: “Denim and Diamonds” event on 11/9 and a special screening of “Breathe” at The Loft on 11/26. President Richie Benner said the Catalina Rotary member Anita McDonald was selected a District Governor Designee for 2022-23.
     Happy Bucks ranged from “a nice trip to Illinois” to new puppies, from UA Football finding its defense to a “good” Jeep for sale, and lots of other tidbits to be happy about in between.Investor Education Coordinator Terri Alexon with President Richie Benner
     Investor Education Coordinator Terri Alexon drove down from the Arizona Corporation Commission in Phoenix to describe crucial work performed by this state agency. Ms. Alexon has worked for A.C.C. since 2002. The Securities Division registers and regulates “securities” which are investments, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, mutual funds, and any other number of ways of entrusting money to another person.
     The Securities Division employs about 45 folks who work either in Registration and Compliance, or Enforcement. The Enforcement staff employs police officers and attorneys to investigate and prosecute securities violations. One local scam investigated by the Enforcement staff was based right here in Marana. Terri said the Enforcement Division relies on tips from engaged citizens who can leave confidential information on a tip line. The division typically has about 100 open cases at a time.
     Ms. Alexon then shared three “red flags” consumers should be on the lookout for when evaluating an investment product: 1) If it sounds to good to be true, then it probably is; 2) If seller is pressuring you to buy, then be wary; and 3) If the product targets the elderly. The #1 victims are “Baby-Boomer” men. You should “ask and check before you invest” or “verify before you buy”, Ms. Alexon suggested.
     To verify registrations, file a complaint or ask about statutes and rules, folks can call the Duty Officer at 602-542-0662, or email to securitiesdiv@azcc.gov .
     After Ms. Alexon’s informative presentation, we adjourned.
 
-- Submitted by Laura Clymer, secretary