ONYX

"Wrong Numbers" And Stock Tips On Your Answering Machine And In Your E-Mail

After a long, honest day's work, the first thing many of us do when we get home is check our answering machine. Some people are finding that they have received a "misdialed" call from a stranger leaving a "hot" investment tip for a friend. The message is designed to sound as if the speaker doesn't realize he or she has the wrong number. The message may sound like this:

"Hi, Sue, it's Kelly. I couldn't find your old number and Jenn said this is your new one. I hope I got it right. Anyway, remember that guy, Tom, I was dating who had some inside information and gave my father a tip on a stock that went from $1 to $6 dollars in a couple of weeks, and you were upset that I didn't tell you about it? Well, have I ever got one for you now! This company is the 'XYZ' company and are supposed to be selling 'XXX product' that's going to hit really big! So buy it now while it's really low because it's going to go through the roof in a week or so - get as much of it as you can. My dad and I have already bought a lot of shares. I'm going to call Bud and Steve to let them know about it, too. Give me a call. Bye."

If you get a message like this, it's not a wrong number at all. Instead, it is someone who is being paid to leave these messages on answering machines all over the country. The people paying for this message own some of this stock, and are hoping a lot of people can be tricked into buying some, too. That way, when the stock price rises because of gullible buyers, they can sell their shares at a nice profit. Once they have done that and stop hyping the stock, the price usually falls and you've lost your money.

These scams are starting to come in e-mails now, so be wary if you receive a message that reads something like:

"Hey there! PLEASE don't tell anyone about this e-mail because if the SEC finds out, I could get in big trouble for passing on this information, maybe even go to jail like Martha. I hope I have the right e-mail for you - your regular box was full, and I remembered this was your private box. I tried calling you, but you weren't home and this was too important to leave a message on your machine. Anyway, here's the story…" and it will go on with a message similar to the phone scam.

It is never a good idea to put your hard-earned money into a stock on the basis of a tip from somebody you don't know. Many con artists relay on internet chat room sites to promote companies, but the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is hearing more and more reports of phony misdialed calls and misdirected e-mails.

If you get one of these messages, please do not erase/delete it, but rather contact the SEC by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , go online to www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml, or call 1-800-SEC-0330 (732-0330).

Scam artists usually try to create a sense or urgency - if you don't act now, you're losing out on a tremendous opportunity! But remember, if it is that good, it will wait. If you're told something is a once-in-a-lifetime, too-good-to-be-true opportunity that just can't miss, just say "NO" - your bank account will thank you.