South Carolina securities fraud laws are embodied in the South Carolina Uniform Securities Act. In South Carolina, the Attorney General's Office is responsible for monitoring compliance with and addressing violations of the South Carolina Uniform Securities Act. One of the major functions of the Securities Division of the South Carolina Attorney General's Office is to screen and award securities licenses to applicants, including securities dealers, stockbrokers, brokerage firms, and investment advisors. Likewise, the Securities Division administers the registration of all securities offered for sale within the state of South Carolina, with the exception of those securities that are exempt under the South Carolina Uniform Securities Act. In addition to proving consumer information for investors in an attempt to prevent securities fraud, the South Carolina Attorney General's Office also investigates potential securities fraud cases. The Securities Division has the power to issue cease and desist orders, administrative complaints, and to suspend the licenses of securities dealers, brokers, and investment advisors.