A man surnamed Wang from Jiangsu was told by his old classmate Yang that there was an internal channel to purchase gold at only 100 yuan per gram. Seduced by Yang's claims, Wang transferred a total of 500,000 yuan to him to buy gold bars. Despite Yang repeatedly delaying delivery, Wang trusted him and remained unsuspecting.
After New Year's Day, Yang claimed some gold bars had arrived, and Wang immediately went to Zhangjiagang to collect three bars. Wang soon noticed the bars had an abnormal color and made a dull sound when struck. After appraisal, they were confirmed to be counterfeit products, with 88% of their composition being copper.
Yang admitted that due to financial difficulties, he purchased fake gold bars online to commit fraud. Yang has now been subjected to criminal compulsory measures for涉嫌诈骗, and the nearly 500,000 yuan in defrauded funds has been fully recovered.
In recent years, gold prices have continuously risen, repeatedly hitting new highs. Concurrently, many consumers are discussing how to purchase gold. For instance, where should one buy gold bars? What is the difference between branded gold jewelry and handmade gold? What should be considered when recycling gold?
When purchasing gold bars, factors such as after-sales service and recycling options should be considered comprehensively.
From the perspective of purchasing channels, both banks and gold stores currently sell gold bars. What should consumers pay attention to when buying?
Li Yang, Senior Gold Investment Analyst at Caibai Co., Ltd.: The investment gold bars sold by banks and gold stores are basically priced with reference to the raw material price of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, adding a processing fee ranging from over ten to over twenty yuan per gram. When repurchasing, a handling fee of 2-5 yuan is subtracted from the current raw material price. Investors should pay attention to whether the handling fee of the purchase channel meets their expectations, the brand reputation of the gold bars, and the convenience of the repurchase location.
Experts advise that when buying gold, one should not only focus on the current price but also comprehensively consider factors like after-sales guarantees, recycling, and trade-in policies before choosing a purchase channel. During the purchase process, remember to: compare processing fees, verify purity, and keep proof of purchase to ensure transparent and secure consumption.
Should one buy branded gold jewelry or opt for handmade gold?
Compared to investment gold bars, branded gold jewelry is often more expensive. Therefore, some consumers choose to buy gold bars from banks and then seek out goldsmiths for handmade crafting. So, which is more cost-effective: buying branded gold jewelry or handmade gold? How should consumers choose?
Li Yang, Senior Gold Investment Analyst at Caibai Co., Ltd.: Purchasing gold jewelry from a gold store guarantees quality and craftsmanship. Jewelry made this way is often lighter, brighter, harder, and incorporates cultural symbolism and more representative designs—features that handmade craftsmanship cannot match. Furthermore, buying from a正规的品牌金店 ensures better after-sales service and more reliable future trade-in or repurchase options.
What should be considered with handmade gold?
If you prioritize aesthetics, novel styles, and security, branded gold jewelry is more suitable. If consumers choose the handmade gold route, besides ensuring the processing fee is clearly marked, they should also pay attention to whether the crafting process is conducted规范.
Gu Fengda, Chief Analyst at Guosen Futures: Some unscrupulous merchants use very隐蔽的手法 to steal gold or even adulterate it, reducing the final purity and weight of the gold obtained. Compared to pure gold, the loss in purity and weight often far exceeds the handling fee for jewelry from正规渠道, so vigilance is required.
Experts remind consumers who choose handmade gold: Try to watch the entire process yourself, paying attention to the goldsmith's specific operations. Before crafting, accurately weigh the gold and retain relevant evidence. The loss during crafting should be within a normal range; if it's excessive, be wary. After crafting, have the item tested and obtain a report certifying its purity and weight. Keep the purchase receipt.
Remember the "Three Don'ts" during the recycling process.
As gold prices rise, many consumers are choosing to recycle gold they bought at lower prices. What should be considered when recycling gold?
Typically, the gold recycling price is calculated based on the gold's purity and weight, and the process involves weighing and testing before recycling. Experts advise carrying the purchase receipt and appraisal certificate when going for recycling.
Li Yang, Senior Gold Investment Analyst at Caibai Co., Ltd.: Do not casually take gold jewelry to informal places for cleaning and maintenance, to avoid reduction in weight. Keep the invoice and certificate for purchased gold products. For gold recycling, it is advisable to choose businesses with正规营业执照, good信誉, and a positive reputation. You can also weigh the gold at a gold store first for reference. Additionally, consider whether the handling fees deducted during recycling are reasonable and acceptable to you.
Experts remind that when recycling gold, do not choose shops with poor qualifications, do not轻易相信 high-price recycling promises, and do not overlook testing.
Beware of "free storage" and "profit-sharing storage" gold scams.
Storing, safeguarding, and transporting gold incur certain costs. Therefore, some gold stores use the gimmick of "free storage" or even "profit-sharing storage" to attract customers. This means consumers can store their purchased gold in the store not only without paying保管费 but also receive gold jewelry as a gift after a certain period.
Industry insiders indicate that this is a form of disguised gold leasing business, and consumers should be警惕 of such违规业务. If the gold store "runs away," consumers could lose their entire investment.
Gu Fengda, Chief Analyst at Guosen Futures: The gold leasing business typically requires a license approved by financial institutions. Some gold jewelry stores and franchise stores take risks by违规 engaging in gold leasing, gold return, and guaranteed return businesses, which requires vigilance. Avoid being penny-wise and pound-foolish. Largely, the more纯粹 the gold purchase, the more reliable the channel, and the simpler the style, the lower the risk of being deceived.
