Final answer:
Sam's action of informing his father about the potential sale, which his father used to buy shares in the acquiring company, could constitute insider trading, which is illegal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jackie called her husband, Sam, from the office, sharing her concerns about her job due to her bosses closing a deal for the company to be bought. Upon hearing the news, Sam informed his father about the potential acquisition, leading his father to buy shares in the acquiring company. Under securities law, this could be characterized as insider trading, which is illegal. Insider trading occurs when a person makes an investment decision based on non-public, material information.