Too Good to Be True: The Rise of Fake Gold Websites Online

In today’s digital marketplace, finding a great deal can feel like striking gold – literally. However, when it comes to buying precious metals like gold, an offer that seems too good to be true often is.

Fakes are flooding online marketplaces with fake websites impersonating legitimate companies, counterfeit gold products, tricking unsuspecting buyers into wasting their money on fakes.

The Danger of Unrealistic Deals

Imagine you come across a deal advertising a 1 ounce gold coin for just $289. With gold currently priced at over $2,800 per ounce, common sense should raise a red flag.

Gold is a valuable commodity, and no legitimate seller can afford to sell it at such a drastic discount. If you see an offer that seems ridiculously cheap, it is almost certainly not real.

Image: Example of big discounts on gold products on a fake gold website

Fraudulent gold items often appear on popular platforms such as eBay, Amazon, and social media marketplaces. However, more and more often websites impersonating legitimate gold dealers are coming to light, looking real enough that individuals are buying from them.

Fake gold dealers use deceptive marketing, misleading images, and fake certificates of authenticity to lure in buyers. Once purchased, victims usually receive plated or counterfeit metal that looks real at first glance but has no real value.

How to Spot Fake Gold Offers

To protect yourself from gold fakes, watch out for these warning signs:

1. Prices That Don’t Match Market Value

The number one rule in gold buying: always check the current market price. If a seller is offering a 1-ounce gold coin at a fraction of its actual value, it’s a clearly not legitimate.

The price of gold is based on the current market price. Reputable dealers will base their prices either at the current market, or above it when selling.

Images: Fake vs Real. The top image is an example of a fake gold bar being sold with a huge discount. The bottom image showcases a real gold bar being sold at market value.

Physical gold and silver that is being sold lower than this market value should be avoided at all costs.

Reputable gold dealers follow market prices and don’t sell at huge discounts

2. Vague or Misleading Descriptions

Fake websites often use tricky wording to mislead buyers. Phrases like “gold-layered,” “gold-plated,” or “24K in colour” suggest that the item is not solid gold. Always read the full description carefully and avoid listings that use vague language.

3. No Reputable Dealer Information

Image: Example of Tavex Bullion Trust Pilot review

A legitimate gold dealer will have a verifiable history, clear contact details, and a good reputation. If you can’t find reviews, company information, or proof of authenticity, avoid the purchase. Always buy from established and accredited bullion dealers.

Review sites such as TrustPilot will direct you straight to the legitimate company page. For example, look at our Tavex Bullions TrustPilot here. The visit website link on their page directs you straight to https://tavexbullion.co.uk/.

4. Too Many “Limited-Time” Deals and Pressure to Buy

Image: Example of fake gold website with offers and discounts

Fake websites use urgency to push people into making quick decisions. “Only a few left!” “Sale ends soon!” – these tactics are meant to create panic and rush you into buying before you think critically.

5. Fake Certificates and Hallmarks

Some counterfeiter bullion products include fake certificates of authenticity to make their products seem legitimate. Others stamp fake hallmarks on plated metal to mimic real gold. However, professional testing can reveal these frauds.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying Gold Online

To ensure you’re purchasing genuine gold, follow these best practices:

✔ Buy from reputable dealers – Stick to well-known bullion dealers with positive reviews and proper accreditation.

✔ Verify the seller’s reputation – Look for reviews, ratings, and customer feedback before making a purchase.

✔ Verify the domain name – Make sure you look at the https link. For example – Tavex’s only legitimate domain name for is tavexbullion.co.uk or tavex.uk. Do not purchase Tavex products on any other domain. Watch out for any domains which end in “.shop”.

✔ Pay with secure methods – Use credit cards, debit cards, or payment platforms with buyer protection instead of risky payment methods like wire transfers.

Final Thoughts: If It’s Too Good to Be True, It’s a Fake 

Fake gold is around, and many victims don’t realise they’ve been deceived until it’s too late. The best defense is awareness and skepticism.

If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Stay informed, verify your sources, and always prioritise reputable sellers when buying gold.

By taking these precautions, you can protect yourself from fakes and ensure that when you invest in gold, you’re getting the real deal.

What To Do In Doubt?

If you’re ever unsure whether a website claiming to be Tavex is legitimate, please call us at +44 (0)20 4541 4145. Our team will be happy to confirm if you are on our official domain.

Tavex Group Official Domain List

United Kingdom: https://tavexbullion.co.uk/

Bulgaria: https://tavex.bg/

Denmark: https://tavex.dk/en/

Estonia: https://tavid.ee/en/

Finland: https://tavex.fi/en/

Hungary: https://tavex.hu/en/

Latvia: https://tavex.lv/en/

Lithuania: https://tavex.lt/en/

Norway: https://tavex.no/en/

Poland: https://tavex.pl/en/

Romania: https://tavex.ro/

Serbia: https://tavex.rs/

Sweden: https://tavex.se/en/