Blackberry firm, Research In Motion (RIM), confirmed that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made an informal inquiry into the company’s stock-option grants and practices.

RIM is one of several hi-tech companies that have recently been subject to increased scrutiny over option practices.

The Canadian vendor recently said its original estimate of an accounting related charge on earnings of $25 – 45m will increase substantially because of additional errors found during the audit process.