Trade office warns: Be careful of illegal gold purchases in Potsdam!

Trade office warns: Be careful of illegal gold purchases in Potsdam!

In Cologne, the trade office has currently warned its citizens about illegal gold purchases. These are often short-term events where gold, jewelry or other valuables are offered. The city administration strongly advises against accepting such offers and instead recommends that sales only be directed to well-known, local specialist companies. Meeting point Potsdam reports that such actions often take place in hotels or similar event spaces without a permanent business location.

A look at the legal framework shows that the purchase of precious metals in the traveling trade is prohibited by law, as set out in Sections 55 and 56 of the Trade Code. The trade office has pointed out the common signs of such dubious offers to citizens: Promotions that are only announced for 2-3 days or those that advertise “instant cash” and entice people with offers such as free drinks are a clear indication of legal grimaces.

Recognize warning signals

The Urban Redevelopment Authority has issued specific tips for identifying problematic actions. This means that customers should always make sure that the business facility is not just temporarily organized in someone else's premises. A dealer who uses rented business premises for his gold purchases has also violated the law in the past. The trade office ordered the immediate cessation of such activities, which led to a legal dispute. Weka documented that the Münster Higher Administrative Court was able to confirm that such temporary providers of the purchase and sale of precious metals in the travel trade are to be ordered.

The legal basis is clear: this ban is necessary to protect consumers. The OVG determined that a provider of gold purchasing campaigns is not allowed to operate in the travel trade if customers come to the business premises without prior ordering. The ban also applies in a similar form to other national providers, such as MTR Legal notes.

Responsibility of citizens

Citizens are asked to be particularly vigilant and report any suspicious announcements or ongoing actions directly to the responsible authorities. The trade office can be reached at the e-mail address gewerberäume@rathaus.potsdam.de and by telephone at 0331 289-1696. If you come across a suspicious offer, it is important to share all relevant information such as location, time and, if applicable, photos of the advertisement.

The aim of these measures is clear: consumers should be protected from dubious business practices and be able to make an informed decision when it comes to selling their valuables. The city of Cologne is actively committed to protecting its citizens from possible cases of fraud.