Precious metals investment fraud is real and documented — the CFTC and FTC have both brought enforcement actions against dealers for high-pressure sales tactics, undisclosed markups, and outright fraud, with case details published publicly at cftc.gov and ftc.gov. The SEC has separately pursued cases involving self-directed IRA fraud schemes disguised as legitimate custodial services.

Common red flags documented in these real cases: pressure to act immediately, discouraging you from consulting an independent advisor, requests to liquidate an existing IRA entirely into metals, and reluctance to put fee disclosures in writing. Before moving retirement funds, check a dealer against the CFTC’s RED List (Registration Deficient list) and your state securities regulator’s database.