Fsnr could fit this thought: Know where the stock trades. Most stock pump-and-dump schemes involve stocks that do not trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market, the New York Stock Exchange or other registered national securities exchanges. Instead, these stocks tend to be quoted on an over-the-counter (OTC) quotation platform like the OTC Link Alternative Trading System (ATS) operated by OTC Markets Group, Inc. Companies that list their stocks on exchanges must meet Minimum listing standards. For example, they must have minimum amounts of net assets and minimum numbers of shareholders. In contrast, companies quoted on OTC Link generally do not have to meet any minimum standards (although companies quoted on the OTC Link's OTCQX and OTCQB marketplaces are subject to some initial and ongoing requirements). - See more at: http://www.finra.org/investors/alerts/dormant-shell-companies%e2%80%94how-protect-your-portfolio-fraud#sthash.alcHItk2.dpuf