Known as the Public Alert: Unregistered Soliciting Entities (PAUSE) list, this list of soliciting entities that have been the subject of investor complaints helps investors better inform themselves and in doing so avoid being a victim of fraud. The latest additions are firms found to be providing inaccurate information about their affiliation, location, or registration. Firms that solicit investors generally are required to register with the SEC and meet minimum financial standards and disclosure, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements under U.S. securities laws. The PAUSE list also flags individuals and organizations who impersonate registered securities firms, as well as bogus “regulators” who falsely claim to be government agencies or affiliates. 

The PAUSE list is periodically updated by the SEC’s Office of Market Intelligence in coordination with the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy and the Office of International Affairs. Note that inclusion on the PAUSE list does not mean the SEC has found violations of U.S. federal securities laws or made any judgments about the merits of any securities being offered.

The SEC reminds investors of the following resources to protect themselves:

• How to Select an Investment Professional
• Questions to Ask When Hiring an Investment Professional
• FINRA Investor Alert: Broker Imposter Scams – Remember To Ask And Check
• Visit Investor.gov for more information on avoiding fraud.

Sources:

SEC Updates List of Firms Using Inaccurate Information to Solicit Investors (www.sec.gov)
Public Alert: Unregistered Soliciting Entities (PAUSE) (www.sec.gov)
Public Alert: Unregistered Soliciting Entities (PAUSE) Updates (www.sec.gov)