Compliance & Scams guides

Precious metals fraud targets older investors more than almost any other financial scheme. The CFTC, FTC, and state attorneys general have brought enforcement actions against multiple Gold IRA dealers resulting in judgments exceeding 185 million dollars combined since 2020. This library exists to help you recognize the patterns before signing any agreement.

Our coverage includes documented enforcement cases (Metals.com, Red Rock Secured, Regal Assets bankruptcy), common scam vectors (bait-and-switch from bullion to overpriced numismatic coins, home storage IRA LLC schemes ruled illegal in McNulty v. Commissioner, free silver promotions tied to inflated overall markups, celebrity endorsements presented as financial advice), and the federal regulations that protect consumers including IRC 408 fineness requirements and IRC 4975 prohibited transactions.

We benchmark legitimate providers against industry-best practices: BBB A+ rating with documented zero or low complaint counts, salaried (non-commissioned) sales staff, transparent fee schedules published before any consultation, depository-stored metals at IRS-approved facilities with Lloyd's of London insurance, and clear buyback policies with stated bid-ask spreads.

If a sales pitch contradicts any of these standards, walk away. Our three vetted partners (Augusta Precious Metals, Birch Gold Group, Noble Gold Investments) meet these standards based on public records as of the date of each guide's publication.