TOMS RIVER – With gold prices soaring to record highs, Ocean County officials are warning residents to be cautious when selling jewelry or precious metals amid a rise in complaints about questionable business practices.
“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,” said Ronald Heinzman, Director of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.
Heinzman said investigators found that some of these buyers use high-pressure sales tactics, often targeting vulnerable residents, including seniors. “In one case investigated, the traveling salesperson was not properly bonded with the Division of Weights and Measures,” he said. “The scales were not registered and, when tested, were not recording accurate weights.”
Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the department, said officials will be monitoring for potential scams during the busy holiday season. “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 of Consumer Affairs recommends several steps to protect yourself when selling gold or jewelry:
- Avoid “pop-up” gold buying events at hotels or temporary venues; use established, permanent businesses.
- Do not sell gold by mail.
- Weigh your items beforehand and separate them by karat to ensure accurate pricing.
- Check that scales display a valid blue seal from the Ocean County Division of Weights and Measures dated within the last 12 months.
- Always request a detailed receipt including the buyer’s name, address, transaction date, weight, and price paid.
- Traveling gold buyers must register with local police and hold a surety bond through the state Office of Weights and Measures.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the Ocean County Division of Weights and Measures at 732-929-2166.
To help residents stay alert this season, the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs and County Connection will host a Holiday Scam and Fraud Protection Seminar on November 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mancini Hall at the Ocean County Library’s Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street. Director Heinzman will share strategies to spot and avoid common scams. For more information, call the County Connection at 732-278-3333.
