After another call to TDA I found the answer to my question. According to the TDA employee I spoke with they have been ordered by DTCC to halt all buy transactions of ERBB though they can process sell orders. Of course, I asked why, and he replied, "Apparently, they are looking at some problem related to the issue of stock certificates until their investigation is satisfied." This should mean nobody trading with TDA is able to successfully enter a buy order for ERBB.
Can we speculate about reasons?: Is the investigation related to the non-issue of a promised divided spin-off from their "dividend-farming" conception? I recall this dividend distribution was alleged to happen back in June.
Speculation #2: About a year ago, before I had invested, and before the official date recognized for qualified shareholders to receive this highly promoted divided distribution, the company continually referred to a suspected "unusually high number of short-sellers" who had yet to cover their wagers. I recall this "scenario" being discussed as some kind of an unsolved mystery since most of the "players" appeared to evaporate. With me being the newly arrived green-horn "shill" on the scene, the significance of the unfolding melodrama failed to register in concrete terms.
Later, I did watch the company SP plummet toward zero before the RS suddenly kicked in. I've learned why investing in penny stocks is highly risky. Does this make the entire theater of Penny-stock investing a "field of dreams" for deception-minded individuals? Penny-stock investing seems like a game Las Vegas would promote. At this point, I do not have any real answers or solutions. I get a feeling Uncle Sam appears to be obstructing resolution of darkly-cloaked shenanigans perpetrated by ravenous weasels. I imagine these activists are kindly called "lobbyists" or investment specialists. A bit of positive guidance from "Big Brother" would be appreciated. Obviously, there must be some very honest, and talented well-intentioned people out there somewhere. They just need to step forward with a bit of helpful advice.
Best Wishes
