Gold or Fake? Don’t Get Fooled…

🧱 Signs, tips and resources to verify authenticity

In times of inflation, geopolitical chaos and weakening currencies, more and more people return to a classic store of value – precious metals.

But while gold is a “timeless asset”, scammers are just as timeless. The market is flooded with fakes, especially in the world of coins and bars. So how do you stay safe?

Here’s a collection of simple – but effective – ways to protect yourself from buying counterfeit metal.

Main signs of a fake

1. Suspiciously low price
If someone offers gold “on discount” and tax-free – it’s not an investment, it’s a red flag.

2. Poor engraving or packaging
Real products have sharp fonts, flawless metal and sealed blister packs. If you see blurry letters, dents, or sloppy plastic – walk away.

3. Unusual weight or size
Fakes are often filled with tungsten or other heavy metals. The weight might match – but the size won’t.

4. No certificate or untrusted brand
Genuine bars and coins come with documents – purity, weight, serial number, and producer. Google the brand – legit names are easy to verify.

How to stay safe

1. Buy from certified dealers only
That includes banks, licensed jewelers or well-known investment firms. Ask if they are accredited by LBMA.

Use online tools

• LBMA Good Delivery List – Офіційний список надійних виробників
• Veriscan от PAMP – App for authenticity verification by code
• Some mints include QR codes on the packaging – don’t be lazy, scan them.

3. Use a simple test: gold and silver are not magnetic.
If the metal reacts to a regular magnet – it’s definitely not 999 fine gold or investment-grade silver.

4. Do an XRF analysis
Jewelry stores with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machines can test metal content quickly and affordably.

Packaging matters

• Premium bars come in sealed blister packs with holograms
• Each bar and coin has precisely defined specifications
  (for example, a standard 1-ounce gold bar weighing 31.1 g always has approximately the same dimensions).
• Coins are packed in official capsules or tubes
• DIY packaging or fake certificates = huge “red flag”

Poor engraving or font quality.

• Original bars have clear, even laser engraving.
• Fakes often reveal themselves through crooked letters, blurry edges, and uneven layout.

💡 Conclusion

Physical gold and silver are excellent for diversification.
But they must be bought with sharp eyes and cool heads. In the age of fake news, fake diplomas and fake friends – gold too can lie.

Better to overpay 1% for authenticity than lose 100% on a fake.