The term "boiler room" often refers to a stock brokerage firm that uses aggressive or dishonest sales tactics (traditionally through telemarketing) to sell risky, and sometimes fraudulent, stocks to unknowing investors. Boiler rooms often use sales methods that violate federal or state rules requiring brokers to recommend investments that are suitable for each investor's portfolio The term carries a negative connotation, and is often used to imply high-pressure sales tactics and inexpensive low quality quarters (hence the term "boiler room") where the telemarketing calls are originated.