New Voice Mail Stock Scam

[jeffrey]

The breathless phone message from a young woman whose boyfriend works in the investment business sounds like something out of Sex and the City. But the seemingly misdialed voice mail is a clever investment scam that's sweeping the country, the Securities and Exchange Commission said Thursday.

In the voice mails, a young woman, appearing to have dialed a wrong number, tells a friend the "hot stock exchange guy" she's dating has passed on information about a small company. She says the company is planning to make a big news announcement that will cause its stock price to skyrocket.

In one message, the woman claims the company "is supposed to be like the next Tommy Bahama," a popular clothing and accessories brand. The woman, who identifies herself as Debbie, says the stock is expected to rise from 50 cents to $5 or $6 a share.

The Securities and Exchange Commission released this transcript of scam voice mail left on answering machines:

Hey, Tracy, it's Debbie! I couldn't find your old number, and Tammy said this was your new one — I hope it's the right one. Anyway, remember Evan, that hot stock exchange guy I'm dating? He gave my dad that stock tip and it went from under a buck to like three bucks in two weeks and you were mad I didn't call you? Well, I'm calling you now. This new company is supposed to be like the next Tommy Bahama, and they're making some big news announcement this week. He said it's cheap now, like 50 cents. Sorry, I'm eating, but I'm starving. It's 50 cents now, and it's going up to, like, five or six bucks this week, so get as much as you can. Call me on my cell — I'm still in Orlando. Dad and I are buying a bunch tomorrow, and I already called Kelly and Ron, too. Anyway, I miss you. Give me a call. Bye... [read more and hear the audio at usatoday.com]