Gold redemption scam in the Gers: how to protect yourself against this fraudulent practice?

It is a well-established scam that is rife in the Gers department, which can be compared to fraud or an abuse of weakness. State services denounce a fraudulent practice and urge increased vigilance. After postal canvassing, consumers are invited to go to places such as private mansions to sell their gold and precious metals.

During these operations, repurchase prices significantly lower than standards were noted (around €2 per gram of gold) compared to those practiced by well-established establishments (between €40 and €50 per gram). ).

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As a reminder, the consumer has a 48-hour right of withdrawal in the context of a gold redemption transaction. This period is 14 days in the event of door-to-door canvassing (mail addressed by name). However, this right of withdrawal is rarely implemented by the authors of this scam. When the professional cannot return the purchased good, he must then pay the consumer double the sales price received for the sale of this good.

The gold objects having been repurchased at an abusively low price, the amount paid in the event of withdrawal would itself be very low compared to the current price of gold, leading, in addition to the loss of the objects, to a substantial loss of profits.

What precautions should you take?

Be extremely vigilant: these practices can lead to significant financial losses. Act quickly if in doubt! It should be remembered that the law requires a written contract for any transaction involving precious metals. Furthermore, cash payment for precious metals is prohibited.

Use extra caution if you are approached, by telephone or via leaflets, to go to a gold purchasing site (for example, a hotel room or a village hall) or when a tout comes to your home. For any uncertainty or dispute, contact the Departmental Directorate of Employment, Labor, Solidarity and Population Protection (DDETSPP) of Gers.

Vulnerable people may be the subject of particular targeting, so State services invite you to share this information with your loved ones to prevent them from falling into this trap.