The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities just made it easier to "investigate before you invest."

"When Ohioans are approached about a particular investment, it is important to not just take the word of the person promoting it," said Ohio Securities Commissioner Thomas E. Geyer. "Prospective investors should investigate before they invest by checking our new Internet database to learn if a filing for a particular securities product has been made with the Division."

The "ERNIE" (Exemption, Registration, Notice Interactive Electronic) database is a new feature on the Division’s website at www.securities.state.oh.us. The database lists the securities exemption, registration or notice filings made with the Division. Commissioner Geyer believes that Ohio is the first state securities administration to offer this type of system to the public.

"ERNIE provides an easy-to-use tool for gathering information about securities products," Commissioner Geyer said. "Checking for a filing with the Division of Securities should be a part of your investigation, and we encourage Ohioans to take advantage of it."

Commissioner Geyer explained that Ohio law requires a filing with the Division of Securities for the initial sale of most securities in Ohio. ERNIE contains summary information about these filings, and is searchable based on a number of different criteria including the name and address of the issuer, and the date, type and amount of the offering. Pursuant to the State record retention laws, ERNIE contains filings made for the last eight years.

Commissioner Geyer cautioned that not all sales of securities in Ohio require a filing with the Division. "The absence of a filing with our office is not necessarily a sign of illegality, but it should cause you to inquire about compliance with the securities laws," he said. "Similarly," he continued, "the existence of a filing in ERNIE is not a State guarantee or endorsement of the product. ERNIE should be an important part, but not the only part, of ‘investigating before you invest.’"

Prospective investors who do not have access to the Internet can still check on securities registration filings by calling the Division’s Investor Protection Hotline at

1-800-788-1194.

Governor Bob Taft had proclaimed April to be Saving and Investing Education Month in the State of Ohio. This observance month, which was part of a national investor education campaign, was designed to encourage consumers to save, invest wisely, and protect themselves against fraudulent schemes. During April, Division of Securities personnel made consumer and investor education presentations throughout the State. Throughout the year, the Division has available, free of charge, a wide range of investor education literature that can be obtained through the Division’s website, www.securities.state.oh.us, or by telephoning the Division at 1-800-788-1194.

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The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities is responsible for protecting investors from unfair and fraudulent practices in the securities industry. The Division promotes an honest and fair securities market in Ohio where individuals and businesses can raise capital and investors can expect a fair return on their investment. Other Commerce divisions enforce regulations regarding industrial compliance, financial institutions, real estate, liquor, auctioneers, and unclaimed funds, among others. The department's Internet address is www.com.state.oh.us