Preventing the Frauds of Gold

For the investors of any class, it may not be easy to overlook gold in the current economic scenario. Unfortunately, the thriving gold is attracting not only bonafide investors, but also the scammers representing themselves as authorized dealers. Using authorized dealers like ITM Trading is a must. It has become tricky to tell between genuine and disingenuous sources, most of which have no other presence except for their impressive websites. These unreliable companies often cheat the investors by vanishing after collecting money for gold that never comes or accepting gold and never paying the seller. However, not all is lost and you can find yourself on firmer ground by following some simple old school rules.

It is common sense that reputable organizations are popular for a reason. An established record, physical presence, attention to customer care, and positive customer reviews are some good indicators of an authentic organization. That is, a company operating for the last 10 years will inspire greater confidence than the one in the business since last year. Reputation comes from transparent dealings, ethical trade practices, customer satisfaction, and reasonable cost structure. The signs to look for here will be business accreditation, such as BBB, PCGS, ANA, and NGS. Sometimes what appears profitable on the face of it may not be so. Read the fine print carefully and make sure that you do not get an unpleasant surprises in the form of hidden costs later. Also, verify the return policy and the procedure for replacements. It is also prudent to research with as many dealers as possible. Varying prices, premium, discounts, shipping charges, and return policies are norms in the gold market. Therefore, thorough research can land you in profitable deals that you may miss otherwise.

Another gray area is profit guarantee. Gold's price determined daily, are based on demand and supply. These rates become the benchmark and drive gold prices in markets across the globe. There is no way to predict the pricing trend with certainty and therefore, you should not fall in the trap of dealing with companies that guarantee a certain level of return. Another factor to consider while selling gold is to be generally aware of the price your holding should reasonably fetch. This is easier in the case of bullion, but more difficult in the case of numismatic coins, jewelry, and junk gold. The price of collector coins is primarily a function of its rarity and significance. In the case of jewelry and junk gold, you need to be very careful before entering into a deal, as you may end up with losses. Such gold can command between 50-65% of the spot price, but it is common to find dealers paying much less. Again, research comes handy in finding the most profitable option.

Gold is a hedge against uncertainty. In addition, it is an instrument of wealth protection. Some awareness and diligence on your part can make it your most dependable purchase option.

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