Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC is the primary federal agency for fraud, deceptive practices, and false advertising. Reports feed law-enforcement databases nationwide.
Do this: File at the FTC’s official reporting site.
Actionable guide · Reporting
How to report a gold scam — and to whom.
If you think you've been targeted or defrauded by a gold dealer, reporting it protects you and others. Here's what to do first, what to gather, and the exact agencies to contact — with official links.
By BakerGold Editorial TeamLast updated June 2026Independent · Editorial opinion
First things first
Before you file: act fast & gather evidence
- 01Stop any further payments and don’t send more money — even to “recover” what you’ve lost (recovery scams target prior victims).
- 02Contact your bank, wire service, or card issuer immediately; recent transactions may still be reversible.
- 03Gather your evidence: contracts, invoices, fee schedules, payment records, emails, texts, ads, and notes with names and dates.
- 04Write a short timeline of what happened, in order, with dollar amounts — you’ll reuse it in every complaint.
Where to report
The agencies to contact (with official links)
File with more than one — each has a different role, and complaints help build the record that leads to enforcement. Always use the official .gov / .org links below.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
The CFTC handles precious-metals and commodity fraud — particularly relevant for bullion, leverage, and metals-investment schemes.
Do this: Submit a tip or complaint to the CFTC, and use SmartCheck to research a firm.
Your State Attorney General
Your state AG enforces consumer-protection law locally and often coordinates multistate actions against metals dealers.
Do this: Find your state AG’s consumer-complaint portal via the national association directory.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A BBB complaint creates a public record and often prompts a direct response from the company. It’s not a regulator, but it adds pressure and a paper trail.
Do this: File a complaint on the company’s BBB profile.
Your State Securities Regulator
If the pitch involved an investment product or an IRA, your state securities regulator may have jurisdiction. NASAA’s directory points you to the right office.
Do this: Locate your state securities regulator through NASAA.
Links go to official government and BBB resources and were verified at our last update. If a URL has changed, search the agency's name directly and use its official site.
Reader questions
Reporting a gold scam: FAQ
Where should I report a gold IRA or precious-metals scam?
Start with the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) for fraud and deceptive practices, and the CFTC (cftc.gov/complaint) for precious-metals and commodity fraud. Also file with your state attorney general and the BBB, and — if an investment or IRA was involved — your state securities regulator. Filing with more than one is appropriate and helps build the record.
What evidence should I gather before reporting?
Collect everything: the company name and rep’s name, dates and notes from calls, any contracts or fee schedules, invoices and receipts, wire or payment records, emails and texts, and copies of advertising or pitches. Specific dates, amounts, and documents make a complaint far more actionable.
Can I get my money back after a gold scam?
Sometimes. Regulators occasionally secure refunds through settlements or bankruptcy proceedings, and your payment provider may offer recourse for recent transactions. There’s no guarantee, which is why verifying a dealer before you pay is the strongest protection. Report promptly to improve the odds.
This guide is general consumer information, not legal advice. This content is for general education only and is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Investing in precious metals carries risk, including loss of principal. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.
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