With gold prices reaching record levels, the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs has issued a warning to residents about potential scams related to the sale of gold and jewelry. The department has seen an increase in complaints about questionable practices by some buyers, particularly those operating temporary events at hotels and convention centers.
“Recently, we received complaints at separate Ocean County hotel and convention center locations concerning the sale of gold to traveling or transient gold buyers who set up short term events at these locations,” said Ronald Heinzman, Director of the County Department of Consumer Affairs.
Heinzman explained that some of these traveling buyers use high-pressure tactics and often target vulnerable groups, including senior citizens. “In one case investigated, the traveling salesperson was not properly bonded with the Division of Weights & Measures,” he said. “The scales were not registered and when tested, were not recording accurate weights.”
Commissioner Robert S. Arace, who serves as liaison to the Department of Consumer Affairs, noted that with the holiday season approaching, the department will remain vigilant. “We will always work hard to provide a fair and equitable marketplace in Ocean County for our residents and visitors alike,” Arace said. “Consumers deserve to know that they are receiving an honest estimate at the time of the sale.”
The department has provided several recommendations for those considering selling gold or other precious metals. Residents are advised to be cautious about pop-up events at temporary locations such as hotels or malls and instead visit established businesses. They should avoid selling items by mail, weigh their gold beforehand, separate gold by karat, seek multiple appraisals, and inspect vendor scales for proper registration and a valid blue seal from the Ocean County Division of Weights and Measures dated within the past year. Businesses must display their prices clearly, provide detailed receipts, retain purchased items for at least two business days, and keep all records for at least one year. Traveling gold buyers are required to register with local police and obtain a surety bond with the state Office of Weights and Measures.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Ocean County Division of Weights and Measures at 732-929-2166.
To help protect consumers during the holiday season, the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs will partner with the County Connection to host a Holiday Scam and Fraud Protection Seminar on November 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held in Mancini Hall at the Ocean County Library’s Toms River Branch on 101 Washington Street. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Director Heinzman and learn how to identify common scams that occur during this time of year. For more information about this seminar, residents can contact the County Connection at 732-278-3333.
