That is a very good question.I would think they would have to be able to tell someone because if someone has the cert. in hand and wants to sell them it would have to be backed if sold.
I always understood the TA main job was to keep the exact true numbers to prevent errors,fraud ect.
This day and time every scam in the world is going on from all types of fraud.ID,SS numbers pin numbers ect.If they can steal everything this day and time then they can and could print false certs.
Not saying that is the case with FFGO but I would think that is one purpose of a TA with any company is to prevent errors or fraud.
I have no answer to your question but I would think if they can not tell you then what ever brokerage you were going through it would seem they would have to say your cert. is valid or not to sell it before settlement.