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The North Carolina Secretary of State's Office plays a role in protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation through various programs and initiatives. While their primary focus is on financial exploitation, their efforts indirectly contribute to the overall safety and well-being of vulnerable adults. Here are some ways the Secretary of State's Office helps:
Securities Division
The Securities Division within the Secretary of State's Office is responsible for enforcing securities laws and regulations. The Division investigates and takes action against individuals or entities engaged in fraudulent investment schemes that may target vulnerable adults. As a partnering agency, the Securities Division receives investment fraud abuse and exploitation referrals from APS offices statewide through the HelpVul online reporting platform.
Telephone: 800-688-4507
Investor Education
The Secretary of State's Office provides educational resources and outreach programs to raise awareness among vulnerable adults about investment fraud and financial exploitation. By educating adults about common scams, warning signs, and steps to protect themselves, they empower them to make informed financial decisions and reduce their vulnerability. Browse their alerts and bulletins for more information.
Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division
As with investment professionals, the Secretary of State’s Office is responsible for licensing most charities and professional fundraisers that fall under the NC Solicitation of Contributions statute. The Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division investigates and takes action against individuals or entities that violate the NC Solicitation of Contributions statute.
Telephone: 888-830-4989
Notary Public Oversight
The Secretary of State's Office oversees the commissioning and regulation of notaries public. Notaries play a vital role in preventing financial exploitation by ensuring the authenticity of signatures and verifying the capacity of individuals entering into legal agreements. The Department's oversight helps maintain the integrity of notarial acts and prevents fraudulent activities that may target vulnerable adults. You can even use their Find A Notary feature to locate a notary near you.
Telephone: 919-814-5400, Option 5.
Counterfeit Trademarks Enforcement
The Secretary of State’s Office oversees the enforcement of the state’s trademark laws. Consumers must know that the products they purchase, including prescription medication, are genuine and safe. The Counterfeit Trademarks Enforcement Department investigates and takes action against individuals or entities engaged in trademark violations. Consumers using online pharmacies to purchase lower-cost medications are advised to use the Verify Before You Buy tool to check whether the online pharmacy is legitimate.
Authentications Unit
Through its Document Authentications Unit, the Secretary of State's Office authenticates official documents that are to be used overseas. This service ensures that only authenticated documents are used to complete transactions in foreign countries.
Advance Health Care Directive Registry
The Secretary of State's Office maintains the Advance Health Care Directive Registry, a secure, online registry for people to store their advance health care directives so that the person(s) they designate may have quick and convenient access when needed. By offering this service, the Secretary of State's Office makes it easy for a person to make their wishes known in times of need when they are unable to speak for themselves.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The Secretary of State's Office may conduct public awareness campaigns to help vulnerable adults, their families, and caregivers. These campaigns aim to educate the public about the risks of financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect. By promoting awareness and encouraging reporting, they help create a safer environment for vulnerable adults and encourage communities to be vigilant.
Collaboration and Reporting
The Secretary of State's Office collaborates with other agencies, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations to share information, coordinate efforts, and address cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. They may receive and investigate complaints related to financial fraud or misconduct that affect vulnerable adults, working in conjunction with other agencies to protect their interests.
It's important to note that while the Secretary of State's Office plays a role in protecting older adults, they do not have direct authority over all aspects of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Other agencies, such as Adult Protective Services and law enforcement, have lead roles in investigating and addressing these issues. Coordinated efforts among various organizations and agencies are essential to effectively protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.