With gold prices reaching record highs, Ocean County officials are warning residents to exercise caution when selling old jewelry and precious metals, following an increase in complaints involving transient gold buyers operating locally.
Ronald Heinzman, director of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, said his office recently received multiple complaints involving traveling gold buyers hosting short-term buying events at local hotels and convention centers.
“Some of these buyers use high-pressure tactics and target vulnerable individuals, including seniors,” Heinzman said. “In one case, the salesperson was not properly bonded with the Division of Weights & Measures, and the scales used were both unregistered and inaccurate.”
Commissioner Rob Arace, liaison to the Department of Consumer Affairs, said the county is increasing oversight ahead of the holiday season to protect consumers from predatory practices.
“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 they’re receiving an honest estimate at the time of the sale.”
Tips for Safe Gold Sales
The Department of Consumer Affairs issued several recommendations for residents selling gold, jewelry, or other precious metals:
- Be cautious of temporary or “pop-up” events at hotels, malls, or laundromats, and instead visit established businesses.
- Avoid mailing gold or jewelry to buyers.
- Weigh items beforehand to verify accuracy.
- Separate gold by karat, as purity affects price.
- Obtain multiple appraisals from different buyers.
- Inspect the vendor’s scale for a valid blue seal dated within the past 12 months.
- Ensure prices are clearly posted and receipts include the buyer’s and seller’s information, weight, metal type, and price paid.
- Buyers must retain purchased items for at least two business days and keep receipts for one year.
- Traveling gold buyers are required to register with local police and obtain a surety bond from the state Office of Weights and Measures.
Residents with concerns or questions about gold sales can contact the Ocean County Division of Weights and Measures at 732-929-2166.
To help residents stay informed, the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, in partnership with the County Connection, will host a Holiday Scam and Fraud Protection Seminar on Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mancini Hall at the Ocean County Library’s Toms River Branch, located at 101 Washington Street.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Director Heinzman and learn how to identify and avoid common scams and fraudulent schemes. For more information, contact the County Connection at 732-278-3333.