Beware of "fur buying" scams

In recent years, there has been an increase in cases of fraudulent traders who claim to be interested in fur coats or leather jackets but are actually after gold jewelry. Older people in particular are being targeted.

The scam is perfidious: the supposed "buyers" come into the house, first inspect the furs, but then very quickly turn the conversation to gold jewelry. If you go along with this, you risk selling your jewelry far below its value.

Find out here how fraudsters operate, what the warning signs are and why you should only sell your gold to a reputable gold dealer.

"Buy furs of all kinds!" - This is how the scam works

Alleged interest in furs, minks or leather jackets

Sudden change of interest in gold
If you bring such a "dealer" into your home, the visit goes like this: The fur coat, which you actually want to sell, is unfortunately not particularly valuable, and you first have to ask your own customers whether you can sell the item on at all, etc.

False valuation of gold
When jewelry is shown, the real fraud comes into play: the fraudsters deliberately misvalue the gold. It is claimed that the jewelry is made of a lower alloy, white gold is classified as "cheap silver" or it is just gold-plated costume jewelry. Sometimes manipulated scales are used or it is claimed that the authenticity of a piece can only be determined by destroying it. In short, it is claimed that gold is worth less than it actually is.

Warning signs: How to recognize dubious retailers

Unrealistic prices
In fact, fur is no longer in great demand today for ethical and fashion reasons. The price of real fur depends above all on the type of fur, its condition and age. The prices of several thousand euros quoted by dubious fur dealers are in the vast majority of cases far removed from the actual value.

Puffery advertisements
If you look closely, you will find the disclaimer "only in conjunction with gold" in small print or in the margin of the scammers' advertisements and flyers. This is a clear indication of what the fraudsters are really after. References to "campaign days" or "last chance" in advertisements should also be a warning

No fixed registered office
The fraudsters do not provide a fixed business address. Instead, they offer "free home visits" (even as a "special senior service") or offer their "service" in a hotel or guest house.

Urging a quick sale
Dubious dealers put their victims under time pressure and try to persuade them to make quick decisions. The offer is only valid now.

Dubious valuation methods
Genuine gold jewelry is hallmarked and the alloy (e.g. 585) is stamped on the back, inside or on the clasp. This can also be checked very quickly using an acid test. Claims that you can only test the jewelry by destroying it or that an acid test takes too long should set alarm bells ringing.

How to protect yourself from the fur scam

If you have an old fur coat that you would like to sell, take it to a furrier. They can tell you whether your piece is actually worth something or whether it's a case for the flea market.

If you want to sell your fur, don't let yourself be pressured into selling jewelry. The supposed "fur buyers" are generally not interested in your furs, but often only have one goal: to rob you of your valuable gold.

If you want to sell old gold jewelry, pieces of silver or precious metal coins and bars, do so in a targeted manner and take your old gold to a reputable gold dealer with an established store.

Before selling your pieces, find out what the current purchase prices for gold jewelry are. With the help of a digital kitchen scale, you can get an idea of the weight of your pieces at home, and with the help of a magnifying glass you can also get an indication of the fineness (carat) of your pieces. This way you can estimate the value of your gold jewelry in advance and know whether the gold dealer's offer is serious.