Advertisements in the Wall Street Journal and other financial press attracted gullible investors seeking unusually high rates of return.  Murdoch Security & Investigations, Inc., and its 2 principal officers - Robert Goldstein and William Vassell - succeeded where others have only dreamed ... until the SEC halted the scheme. According to the SEC complaint, the Defendants began offering and selling notes to investors on or about October 2010.  Investors were solicited through advertisements in the Wall Street Journal and other financial press. The SEC alleges that Murdoch, through Goldstein, misrepresented material facts to investors about the security company, including boasts of highly lucrative overseas operations.  In fact, Murdoch lacked any international business whatsoever. Investors were told that capital was needed to finance acquisitions of additional security companies that would enhance Murdoch's overall revenues and fund 22% interest payments to noteholders.  In total, over $1 million was raised.  Yet, as the SEC charged in its complaint, the money from new investors was used primarily to fund interest payments to earlier investors and to pay the salaries of Defendants Goldstein and Vassell. The SEC obtained court approval for an agreement that halts the illegal, unregistered offering and sale of securities.   The Judge ordered a freeze on certain of the firm's of the firm's assets pending final disposition of the case.  The SEC seeks permanent injunctions against the defendants, and to have them return their allegedly ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, and pay civil monetary penalties.   [SEC Litigation Release 22120, 10/11/11]