Alabama Attorney General (http://http://www.ago.state.al.us/Page-Consumer-Protection) - One of the Attorney General’s most important responsibilities is protecting Alabama consumers. If you have a consumer-related issue, you may contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at1-800-392-5658, or you may file an online complaint. This website has a wide array of information about identify theft, credit card fraud, phone scams, how to get a free credit report, how to get on the do not call list and much more.

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/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.

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. 

*NEW*The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) launched a new website in December 2015 designed to provide senior-focused resources to investors, caregivers, industry and policymakers. The website is available at ServeOurSeniors.org

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. 

Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (SEC)(https://www.sec.gov/oiea) - The SEC offers you a variety of services to attend to the problems and questions that you might have as an investor. They cannot advise you as to what investments to make, but will be able to instruct you about how to invest wisely and avoid frauds. 

La SEC en Español: Información para los Inversionistas (SEC)(https://www.sec.gov/investor/espanol.shtml) - La Oficina de Educación y Asistencia a los Inversionistas (Office of Investor Education and Advocacy) de la SEC le ofrece una variedad de servicios para atender los problemas y preguntas que usted pudiera tener como inversionista. No podemos aconsejarle qué inversiones realizar, pero sí podremos instruirle acerca de cómo invertir sabiamente y evitar los fraudes. 

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.

FBI and National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) (www.IC3.gov) The IC3's mission is to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local, and international level, the IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet related crimes.

U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission ( www.cftc.gov) - The mission of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is to protect market participants and the public from fraud, manipulation, abusive practices and systemic risk related to derivatives – both futures and swaps – and to foster transparent, open, competitive and financially sound markets.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (www.consumerfinance.gov) - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for consumer protection in the financial sector. Its jurisdiction includes banks, credit unions, securities firms, payday lenders, mortgage-servicing operations, foreclosure relief services, debt collectors and other financial companies operating in the United States. The CFPB's creation was authorized by the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

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. 

Social Security Administration (SSA) (http://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.

United States Senate, Special Committee on Aging( www.aging.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/217925 Fraud Book Final.pdf) - Fighting Fraud: U.S. Senate Aging Committee Identifies Top 10 Scams Targeting Our Nation’s Seniors

Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB), Consumer Education (www.bbb.org/council/consumer-education/) - Trust BBB ratings and reviews to help you make informed buying decisions. When you need assistance, BBB’s free consumer services are offered across the U.S. and Canada, online and in person. Get the latest tips on how to spot scams and more.

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. 

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.

National 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/jump$tart-clearinghouse.html) 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.  

The Choose to Save® (CTS) Program (www.choosetosave.org) - The Emmy and Telly award-winning Choose to Save® national public education and outreach program is dedicated to raising awareness about the need to plan and save for long-term personal financial security. As part of its mission, Choose to Save® develops user-friendly, multimedia materials to help individuals plan and save for their financial future.