Finally got a reply from Scottrade about the online buying restrictions. Sounds like a generic response to me...I will try to get some more out of them. Copy of email:
Dear Client,
Thank you for your e-mail. Due to unusual and/or suspicious trading in penny stocks, it is occasionally necessary for Scottrade to temporarily restrict online purchases. There is no set time that these restrictions are in place. Please note that these restrictions are temporary and they do not prevent investors from selling these securities online or purchasing these securities at the internet commission rate through your local Scottrade branch office.
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