Blunt, Lawmakers Launch Crackdown On Securities Con Artists

The state is preparing a crackdown against scam artists preying on Missouri’s vulnerable citizens through investment scams. Two pieces of legislation – one in the House, the other in the Seate – aim to make it more difficult for scam artists to conduct their illicit activities. They’ll also make it easier for authorities to hold those lawbreakers accountable for their actions. Secretary of State Matt Blunt is joining the effort. He says the legislation would give authorities more ammunition as they go after scam artists. Among the remedies called for in the legislation: an increase in criminal fines to $1-Million, increases in the amount of civil penalties for violations, and a prohibition against destruction of any evidence or documents in any securities investigation.