You are probably reading this right now because of the increased demand for gold and silver due to inflation and economic concerns. Precious metals are popular investments for novices and specialists. Finding reasonable pricing, however, can be difficult, and many people trying to avoid paying excessive fees online become victims of gold and silver frauds. In the worst-case situation, this could lead to consumers purchasing bullion that doesn’t benefit them and losing their life savings. This article will assist you in identifying possible scams and taking action to guarantee that the bullion you buy is authentic, making a prudent investment.
Why Invest in Gold and Silver?
Throughout centuries, gold and silver have remained highly prized assets. Even in today’s modern era, this perception still holds as they continue to retain their value and perform well during times of economic downturn and change. As a result, they are widely regarded as one of the most reliable forms of investment available.
1. They are in High Demand
In most industries, there is always a high demand for silver and gold, considered valuable possessions. As the world changes, the mining industry evolves, resulting in fewer mining projects. This is due to environmental concerns, safety issues, and economic instability. Despite the reduced mining activities, gold and silver remain in high demand, especially in the fashion industry.
2. They are Inflation-Proof
Unlike other options, gold and silver are unique investments unaffected by inflation. The value of these precious metals doesn’t fluctuate with the currency’s value, making them a reliable investment. Throughout history, gold and silver have proven to be excellent choices during economic hardship and depression.
3. They have a Universal Value
4. High Liquidity Rate
Investing in gold can be highly advantageous for several reasons. Gold and silver are among the most liquid investments available, with high value. This makes converting them into cash. Moreover, converting them is just as seamless, regardless of where you are.
Types of Gold and Silver Online Scams
Knowing the common online scams involving gold and silver is essential, as they’ve affected millions. However, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of these fraudulent activities. By understanding the sophisticated tactics used by scammers, you’ll be better equipped to defend yourself and avoid falling prey to their schemes.
1. Counterfeit Items
Counterfeit gold is one of the most common frauds you’ll come across online. It can be challenging to inspect bullion from pictures on the internet, so you might buy something and discover that it is a fake far after.
2. Advertising Coins as Rare
There are many options if you search for uncommon gold objects or silver treasures. Regretfully, many gold and silver frauds include genuine precious metals that are overstated in rarity.
A fraudster will profit immensely if they can persuade someone that a one-gram bar of gold is so rare that it should be purchased for ten times its current value. Regretfully, it is unlikely that the investor will ever have a comparable return.
3. Fake Documentation
Some coins are more valuable because they are unusual, despite scammers’ best efforts to persuade investors that common bullion coins are less common than they are. However, in such cases, documentation ought to be accessible at all times.
Unfortunately, phony documents are the first step in many online gold and silver scams. It is feasible to assert that a coin with an MS-60 quality rating has an MS-70 grade using Photoshop or even photocopies. The price may rise as a result by 10% or more.
4. The ‘Empty Vault’ Scam
Scammers operating online have found a method of profiting from valuable metals without fulfilling their promises. They will guarantee secure storage in heavily fortified vaults once their victim has made a purchase. In actuality, the lockers and the valuable metals are hardly ever present.
5. Specialized IRA Scams
Due to the legal ambiguity surrounding it, one common online gold and silver scam concerns specialized individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Targets are contacted by scamsters over the phone or online, telling them that the government would seize their savings in a downturn.
The target is slightly alarmed by this, but the “nice” salesman reassures them that they can safeguard their funds with a specific type of IRA. All that is required of the target is the purchase of bullion, although at inflated costs, which can be kept in the IRA. This gold and silver scam caused an almost instantaneous decline in the value of the IRA.
6. CFTC Fraud Advisory
A fraud advisory has been issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) due to the increasing prevalence of gold and silver scams. This advisory is a significant step taken when investors and collectors are at great risk due to fraudulent activities.
How to Protect from Gold and Silver Scams
Investing in gold and silver can yield high returns, but it’s crucial to be cautious of fraudulent activities in the industry. A few people and organizations use unguarded investors to make easy money. It is advisable to identify typical scams within the precious metals sector, notice warning signs, and understand the techniques scammers use to target gold investors to safeguard your investment.
1. Understand What You Buy
Understanding what you’re purchasing is crucial, just like with any other purchase you make:
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Cost:
When buying or selling precious metals, an investor has to be aware of the current spot price of gold or any other metal they choose to deal in. Most bullion items, like the South African Krugerrand, Canadian Maple Leaf, and American Eagle, sell for more than the spot price. The market rate can be three to five percent higher depending on the number involved. High-pressure sellers should be avoided since they will force you to wait for the price of gold or silver to double or even triple before you can profit.
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Weight:
Troy ounces are the standard measurement used in the global market. Troy ounces are also always included when investors and dealers discuss spot pricing. An ordinary ounce and a troy ounce are not the same. In technical terms, one troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams or 1.0971 standard ounces.
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Design:
Every coin has a distinct design with minute elements like mint marks, symbols, or unique serial numbers that make it incredibly difficult to properly counterfeit. So, ensure that each gold coin you wish to purchase has all these data visible.
2. Know Spot Prices Before Buying
Determining the spot price of gold and silver products before purchasing them is crucial. If a dealer offers lower or inflationary prices than the spot prices, verifying the dealers authenticity thoroughly before investing is essential. Knowing the spot prices is also important to compare the premiums other bullion dealers offer and get the best prices for your purchase. BOLD provides a wide selection of high-quality gold and silver bullion products at the lowest prices, and you can also check the spot prices on BOLD’s ‘Spot Price Section’ .
3. Avoid Buying from Classified Ads
Online and print classified ads pose a concern due to the ease with which unscrupulous and anonymous merchants place them. Steer clear of private vendors as they might be unable to provide quality or authenticity. Avoid transactions with inadequate documentation, insecure payment mechanisms, or less transparency.
Choosing a reputable dealer like BOLD Precious Metals is important because BOLD offers secure payments, certifications, and transparency.
4. Buy from a Reputable Local Dealer
One way to minimize the risk of acquiring fake gold coins is by selecting a reputable local dealer or broker registered to buy and sell gold coins with good standing in the community. Despite most registered dealers following the guidelines and refraining from producing fake coins, theres still a slight possibility of falling prey to fraudulent activities.
5. Buy From Reputable Online Dealers
Always purchase gold from a reputable buyer. This is a crucial step in escaping the gold fraud. Its easy to find a reputable buyer or seller of gold. You can determine how reliable that business is by looking up the rating.
Selecting a reliable platform for your gold and silver investments is essential because not all online gold platforms are equal. Seek out platforms with a solid industry reputation and have been in business for an extended period. Verify whether they are approved and subject to regulation by the appropriate authorities, as this guarantees that they follow tight guidelines and safeguards for customers. It is essential also to consider the platforms customer support and security measures, as these factors can indicate their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction and protection.
BOLD is a reliable dealer of precious metals that offers authentic and certified bullion products at the lowest prices, ensuring customer satisfaction.
6. How to Trust TV and Social Media Ads While Purchasing Gold and Silver Products
Your initial exposure to gold and silver may have been via a television or radio commercial or by clicking on a Google Search Ad. Nowadays, social media plays a huge role in the marketing of the products. Therefore, when you come across such social media and TV ads, it is essential to determine the reliability of the product and the deal. You can check the followers of the dealing company on social media and read the companys reviews on Google.
7. Know Where Your Precious Metal Is Being Stored
Reputable precious metals dealers will provide insured delivery options so you can pick up your gold in person. Choosing a company that can store gold on-site is a helpful approach to prevent fraud, even if you dont want to store the gold yourself. Many dishonest companies will promise to store gold on-site without providing you with any proof of purchase. Ensure you obtain documentation whether you use an IRA custodial company, a bank depository, or a home safe. For the safekeeping of your precious metals investment, BOLD recommends seven depositories, which are listed in our Precious Metals IRA section.
8. Sigma Metalytics Precious Metals Verifiers (PMV)
Sigma Metalytics provides sophisticated methods for determining the genuineness of precious metals.
For instance,
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Sigma Metalytics PMV Investor + 3 Wands: This tool includes three wands for different verifying requirements, providing thorough evaluation and precise measurements of metals.
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Sigma Metalytics PMV PRO Mini Full Set: This portable gadget provides accurate readings and connection across several platforms for on-the-go testing.
To guarantee the legitimacy of your precious metals investments, rely on the precision and dependability of Sigma Metalytics PMV equipment.
When done correctly, investing in gold and silver can prove beneficial, and with the necessary safeguards and devices, such as Sigma Machines, you can protect your money against possible frauds and counterfeits.
BOLD has the most affordable pricing on these pieces of equipment, enabling you to effortlessly confirm the authenticity of your expensive metals using Sigma devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, those wishing to safeguard their money and diversify their financial portfolios may find investing in precious metals sensible. To protect your investment, you must be aware of possible fraud in the gold market and adopt the appropriate safety measures. You may guard against falling for fraudulent schemes by being aware of common scams, doing extensive research, dealing with reliable precious metals dealers like BOLD, and using trustworthy verification devices such as Sigma Metalytics PMVs.
You can further improve your precious metals investment plan by diversifying your portfolio, being cautious when making gold and silver investments online, and consulting financial experts. To reduce your risk of identity theft and financial fraud, always remember to prioritize protecting your personal information and have an alert mindset.
Opting for a trustworthy dealer such as BOLD Precious Metals can offer you additional peace of mind. Our inventory comprises a diverse range of superior precious metal bars and coins, all available at competitive prices. Our customers’ positive feedback attests to our legitimacy, and you can confidently rely on our services.