Date: February 23, 2026In a proactive move to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the securities market, Georgia securities regulators have taken action against several individuals and companies for engaging in unregistered securities offerings.The Georgia Secretary of State's office, which oversees securities regulation in the state, announced on Thursday that it had issued cease and desist orders against multiple individuals and entities for offering and selling unregistered securities to Georgia residents. These enforcement actions are part of a broader crackdown on unregistered securities offerings in the state.According to the Secretary of State's office, the individuals and companies targeted in the enforcement actions were found to be offering and selling investments in various forms, including promissory notes, investment contracts, and other investment opportunities, without proper registration with state regulators. These unregistered securities offerings are in violation of Georgia securities laws, which require that all securities offerings be registered or exempt from registration with the state before they can be sold to Georgia residents.In a statement, Georgia Secretary of State John Smith emphasized the importance of enforcing securities laws to protect investors from potentially fraudulent or unscrupulous investment schemes. He warned that individuals and companies who engage in unregistered securities offerings face serious consequences, including hefty fines, civil penalties, and potential criminal charges.Smith also urged investors to exercise caution and do their due diligence before investing in any securities offerings, especially those that are not registered with state regulators. He reminded investors to always verify the registration status of any investment opportunity and to be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or promises of guaranteed returns.The crackdown on unregistered securities offerings in Georgia is part of a larger effort by state regulators to promote transparency and accountability in the securities industry. By taking swift and decisive action against those who violate securities laws, Georgia regulators aim to protect investors and maintain confidence in the state's securities market. Investors are encouraged to report any suspicious or unregistered securities offerings to the Georgia Secretary of State's office for investigation.