Far Vista Petroleum Corp. (FVSTA)

[DragonBear]

What is a fool proof way of avoiding a pump and dump?

Avoid any OTC stock not piggybacking off a major exchange. Example: Stock trades on the TSX in Canada, and on the OTC in the US. That eliminates 99% of the microcap stocks.

The only other way is to not get caught in one after the P&D occurs. As Janice outlined, if you have a ton of stock in the paws of management and affiliates, then it's a stock promotion waiting to happen. As an exercise go back, and review your own thoughts as the P&D unfolded. Then review the OTC filings as though you're not invested in the stock, and see if you can find the red flags. It might help in the next P&D stock.