From 2001 through 2004, Mobile Billboards of America (MBA) sold mobile billboard "investments" throughout the United States. Sales agents presented potential investors with an "offering circular" designed to comply with federal and state regulations regarding such opportunities. Investors could buy a "billboard unit" for $20,000 and, then, lease the unit for seven years to Outdoor Media Industries (OMI), a shell company owned and operated by MBA's principals. Investors were told that OMI would arrange for placement of the billboards on trucks for display. The investors would receive an average return of 13.49% per year return and, at the end of seven years, MBA would buy back the billboards and return the initial investment.

1. Do you think this kind of investment scam is uncommon?
2. Do you think stronger securities regulations could prevent this from happening?