Georgia Secretary of State and Commissioner of Securities, Brad Raffensperger, issued an emergency order against Atlanta Discount Home Deals (operating as America’s Discount Home Deals, or ADHD) and its founder Mark Jackson, restricting their operations and imposing significant civil penalties. This action follows an extensive investigation into allegations of unregistered securities offerings, fraudulent investment schemes, and misappropriation of investor funds.
The investigation revealed that Jackson and ADHD engaged in the unauthorized sale of securities in the form of promissory notes totaling more than $4 million between 2018 and 2024. These notes were purportedly secured by real estate properties in Georgia, Maryland, Florida, and Puerto Rico, but investigators determined that the properties in question were either not owned by ADHD or did not exist as represented.
“This order underscores our commitment to protecting Georgia’s investors from fraudulent get-rich-quick schemes,” said Secretary Raffensperger. “Fraud has no place in Georgia, and we use every available resource to keep it that way.”
Key findings from the investigation include allegations regarding property ownership and secured assets, the issuance of unregistered securities to investors without proper filings, fraudulent claims related to property acquisitions and renovations that never occurred, and significant mismanagement and potential misappropriation of funds.
Secretary Raffensperger’s order stipulates that neither Jackson nor ADHD may operate in Georgia or violate Georgia’s Securities Act in the future. The order bans both parties from registering as securities dealers in the state. It also imposes a penalty of $500,000 and a reimbursement to Georgia’s taxpayers for investigative costs.
The order is effective immediately, and Jackson is also subject to ongoing investigation as his whereabouts remain unknown. The Secretary urges any individuals or entities that may have been affected by the actions of ADHD or Mark Jackson to come forward and report any further information.
For more information or to report potential violations, please visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website or contact the Securities Division at 470-312-2640 or email registrations@sos.ga.gov.
