Gold Fraud - The Underbelly of the Gold Market

With the precious metal gold at all time highs, more unscrupulous people have been attracted to the gold market. Unfortunately for consumers, this means they can be swindled or taken in by people or companies that appear legitimate. Recently, a gold fraud case for a well-known gold dealer named Goldline, was dropped in lieu of a settlement. Goldline was popular and had several endorsements from media personalities, one of those being Glenn Beck. Instead of facing the 19 counts of criminal charges, Goldline agreed to pay customers who purchased gold coins from them over 5 million dollars in compensation.

Goldline was not just practicing bad business practices, but were instructing sales people to partake in a form of fraud. After several complaints, they were investigated which led to the charges that were brought against Goldline by Santa Monica's City Attorney. Goldline's practices were described as predatory and deceitful by the head of Santa Monica's City Attorney's consumer protection division. He also said that in pursuing criminal charges against Goldline was a stiff warning to any gold dealers involved in fraudulent practices would be punished.

The fraudulent practices committed by Goldline is know as a bait and switch. Clients were first approached with a certain kind of gold coins available for purchase. After engaging the client, the sales proposal would change and clients were presented with another choice of collectible gold coins. The collectible gold coins, coins that were minted in 1933 or before, were highly recommend during the sales proposal because under federal law they can not be seized or confiscated. The fraud in this situation is that those collectible gold coins had inflated and highly increased prices compared to the coins' actual gold bullion content. Customers everywhere paid the increased prices. The duped clients were overpaying for gold coins, coins that they would never be able to regain the money for if they were sold; and if sold, always taking a big loss.

Sarasota Rare Coin Gallery has over 40 years of experience and are located in the beautiful and sunny Sarasota, Florida. At their address of 640 South Washington Blvd. they have a wonderful and spacious showroom. They offer the special service of in-home and on-site appraisals! Call (941)366-2191 or come into the showroom for your own special and memorable experience!