WITH GOLD prices hitting record highs, it's never been more tempting to sell that old jewelry.

However, the uptick in selling brings with it more complaints of questionable business practices from some buyers, "Recently, we received complaints at separate Ocean County hotel and convention center locations concerning the sale of gold to traveling or transient gold buyers who set up short term events at these locations," said Ronald Heinzman, Director of the County Department of Consumer Affairs.

Heinzman said some of these traveling buyers will use high-pressure sales tactics and prey on those who are the most vulnerable, including senior citizens.

"In one case investigated, the traveling salesperson was not properly bonded with the Division of Weights & Measures," he said. "The scales were not registered and when tested, were not recording accurate weights."

Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Department of Consumer Affairs, said with the Holidays approaching, the department will be on the lookout for anyone attempting to take advantage of our residents.

"We will always work hard to provide a fair and equitable marketplace in Ocean County for our residents and visitors alike," Arace said. "Consumers deserve to know that they are receiving an honest estimate at the time of the sale."

The Department of Consumer Affairs offers the following tips for the safe selling of gold, jewelry and other precious metals:
• Be cautious of "pop-up" events at local hotels, mall, laundromats or food stores. Instead, consider visiting an established, permanent business within the county.
• Avoid selling gold and precious items by mail.
• Weigh your gold beforehand so you know the weight before visiting a buyer.
• Separate gold by karat because the purity of the metal will affect the price.
• Consider multiple appraisals from different businesses before making a sale.
• It's also important to inspect the scale the vendor is using. Scales must be registered and must have a valid blue seal from the Ocean County Division of Weights and Measures. Seals should be dated within the past 12 months.
• Each business must display their prices.
• Receipts must include the buyer's name and address, date of transaction, type, weight and fineness of metals, the price paid and the seller's name and signature.
• Buyers must retain purchased items for at least two business days and keep all receipts for at least one year.
• Traveling gold buyers must register the local police department and obtain a surety bond with the state Office of Weights and Measures.

Anyone with questions or concerns about gold sales can call the Ocean County Division of Weights and Measures at 732-929-2166.

In addition, for those looking to stay informed and protected this holiday season, the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, in partnership with the County Connection, will host a?Holiday Scam and Fraud Protection Seminar. The event will take place on?Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.?in?Mancini Hall at the Ocean County Library's Toms River Branch, located at?101 Washington Street. Attendees can meet with Director Heinzman and learn how to recognize and avoid common scams and fraudulent schemes that often surface during the holidays. For more information on this event, residents are encouraged to contact the County Connection at?732-278-3333.