Quick answer: A genuinely helpful guide answers specific questions with citable sources (IRS rules, custodian fee schedules) and lets you leave without pressure; a sales script relies on vague reassurance phrases like ‘you’re guided every step’ paired with urgency to get you to commit before you’ve compared other custodians.

What real guidance looks like

A trustworthy Gold or Silver IRA representative will give you the custodian’s actual fee schedule in writing, name the specific IRS-approved depository being used, and encourage you to compare against at least one other provider – none of which requires trusting a company’s own marketing claims.

Sales-script red flags the FTC has documented

The FTC’s guidance on precious metals investment scams flags high-pressure tactics, vague claims of being ‘guided’ or ‘protected’ without specifics, and reluctance to put fees and terms in writing as common patterns in low-quality or fraudulent sales pitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a Gold IRA company to assign a personal representative?

Yes, many legitimate custodians do this – the issue isn’t having a representative, it’s whether that person provides specific, verifiable information or only reassurance.

Where can I check if a company has consumer complaints?

The Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and the CFPB’s consumer complaint database (consumerfinance.gov) both track complaints against financial services companies.

Source: FTC Consumer Advice: Investing in Precious Metals

Written by Samuel, Certified Public Accountant. Published August 2026. Last updated: August 2026.