According to FINRA, Ashlee Nicole Godfrey (CRD #5889108), formerly based in Rocky Face, Georgia, was barred from association with any FINRA member firm in all capacities effective September 9, 2024. The bar was imposed through an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) agreement after Godfrey refused to provide on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA. The testimony was sought in connection with an investigation into misstatements Godfrey made to a customer of her member firm using an unapproved communication platform. Specifically, the findings stated that Godfrey misrepresented to the customer that certain preferred securities were insured. Without admitting or denying the findings, Godfrey consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings. This case raises two significant regulatory concerns. First, Godfrey's use of an unapproved communication platform to interact with customers violates FINRA rules requiring that all business-related communications be conducted through approved and supervised channels. Broker-dealer firms are required to maintain records of communications with customers, and the use of unapproved platforms such as personal text messaging or social media apps undermines the ability of compliance departments to monitor for misconduct. Second, misrepresenting that preferred securities were insured is a serious violation. Preferred securities, while they may offer certain advantages such as fixed dividends, carry investment risks including credit risk, interest rate risk, and the risk of loss of principal. Telling a customer that these securities are insured gives a false sense of security and could lead investors to take on more risk than they realize or intend. For investors, this case highlights the importance of verifying any claims made by a broker, particularly regarding the safety or insurance status of an investment. No investment in securities is guaranteed unless explicitly backed by a government program such as FDIC insurance for bank deposits, and even then, FDIC insurance does not cover investment products sold through banks. If a broker tells you an investment is "insured" or "guaranteed," ask for documentation and verify the claim independently. Godfrey's permanent bar ensures she can no longer operate in the securities industry, protecting investors from further potential misrepresentations.