PumpAndDump
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SEC to begin probe into Xero Mobile
Well, you can imagine the surprise we're all feeling over here at Engadget HQ at the news of Xero Mobile -- the MVNO started by former Gizmondo execs -- getting calls from the US Securities and Exchange Commission regarding their "conducting an informal inquiry relating to certain aspects of the company's business." For example, how they intend to pay back all those investors after a track record of pump and dump business scams? Something like that? Apparently Xero feigned innocence, shrugging off the initial inquiry, stating they are "unaware of the reason for the request," but apparently are preparing to cooperate voluntarily even though no formal investigation has begun. Oh sure, we have to give them credit for opening themselves up to SEC queries even though they're not yet formally indicted, but you'll have to forgive us if we're just a little skeptical about these guys, even when they claim to be showing their hand.
Infinium's name is now Phantom Entertainment
Infinium, the company that didn't bring us the Phantom game console, has changed its name to Phantom Entertainment. Now, I'm not an expert on brand recognition, but renaming your company so it's even more closely associated with a product that has topped vaporware charts and was founded by a person that has been accused of pumping stock doesn't strike me as a good move. Talking of the pump 'n' dump accusation that has been levied against former Infinium CEO Tim Roberts; xantar over at The Gaming Hobo spotted an amusing little snippet regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission's investigation into Roberts. Apparently the fax that provided evidence that Infinium was pumping stock was sent to the commission's California office, making the SEC one of the one million recipients. A tip to any budding fraudsters out there: if you're gonna try and run up stocks so you can sell them at artificially inflated prices, don't notify the authority responsible for cracking down on such illegal activities.
