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Al Jazeera English1 min read
Social media becomes a ‘goldmine’ for fraudsters in Jordan
TL;DR
Fraudsters in Jordan are exploiting social media to lure victims with fake gold sales, leading to significant financial losses. Many individuals report being scammed after transferring money for counterfeit or substandard gold products.
Key points
- Fraudsters exploit social media for gold scams in Jordan
- Victims report losing money on counterfeit and substandard gold
- Fake online stores claim to offer lower prices
- Sellers often disappear after receiving payments
- Consumers lack official documentation for purchased gold
Mentioned in this story
Mohammed NassarTala Al-HabashnehJordan
Fake online advertisements and social media groups are luring people in Jordan with promises of “quick profits” from cheap gold with sellers disappearing once funds have been transferred or customers defrauded with counterfeit and substandard metals, Jordanians tell Al Jazeera.
Mohammed Nassar said he was quoted a price for gold lower than local market rates due to an “online store” claiming it was exempt from manufacturing fees, government licensing costs or shop rents.
The Jordanian shopper transferred the money to secure what he thought was a bargain before the website disappeared and Nassar realised he had become the victim of a scam.
In another case, a young woman named Tala Al-Habashneh told Al Jazeera that she bought gold through a social media platform after agreeing with the seller and transferring the promised amount.
On closer examination of the product, she found that her gold was counterfeit, mixed with other metals and lacking any official stamps or invoices to prove its origin or carat.
Tala immediately filed a complaint with the Cybercrime Directorate of Jordan’s Public Security Directorate. The case is pending.
Government monitoring
Wafaa Al-Momani, assistant director general for Regulatory Affairs and director of the Jewelry Directorate at the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation (JSMO), told Al Jazeera that the institution is the only entity in the kingdom responsible for monitoring precious metal jewellery – such as gold, silver and platinum – and overseeing jewellery trading.
All imported jewellery is examined and stamped by the JSMO before being released onto the market, she said, while local workshops are also required to submit jewellery for inspection and verification before it can be sold.
Gold is an important commodity for savings and investment in many parts of Asia [File: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters]
Al-Momani said her organisation has received some complaints about companies, websites and social media groups engaged in fraud by “promoting the buying and selling of gold, especially broken gold [used or damaged], through unlicensed individuals”.
The JSMO is monitoring sellers engaged in fraud in coordination with security authorities to prevent jewellery from being sold outside licensed shops.
Q&A
How are fraudsters using social media to scam people in Jordan?
Fraudsters are creating fake online advertisements and social media groups that promise quick profits from cheap gold, often disappearing after receiving payments.
What types of scams are reported by victims in Jordan?
Victims report scams involving counterfeit gold and substandard metals, with sellers vanishing after money is transferred.
What should consumers look out for to avoid gold scams in Jordan?
Consumers should be wary of prices significantly lower than market rates and ensure they receive official documentation for any gold purchases.
Who are some of the victims of gold scams in Jordan?
Notable victims include Mohammed Nassar, who was scammed by a fake online store, and Tala Al-Habashneh, who purchased counterfeit gold through a social media platform.
