OCEAN COUNTY- The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, Division of Weights & Measures has reached a settlement in a case involving an "Transient Gold Buyer" operating in the County.

The Division of Weights & Measures initiated an investigation in 2025 following a complaint of gold purchases at a hotel chain on Route 70 located near the Brick/Lakewood border. The investigation focused on Tal Kalif doing business as Estate Buyers and TK Diam, Inc. with addresses in Robbinsville, New Jersey, and Florida.

In the State of New Jersey, gold buyers must be bonded with the State Office of Weights & Measures, and scales used in purchasing gold must be registered and inspected properly through the Ocean County Division of Weights & Measures. During the investigation, it was found that the business was not following laws in place in regard to buying gold and improperly filling out receipts to consumers. Also, during the investigation, three scales were initially seized, and it was discovered that one of the scales in question was not registering weight in the consumer's favor.

"Protecting our community is at the core of Consumer Affairs' mission, and their dedicated team works every day to ensure Ocean County residents are treated fairly and with integrity." said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.

Mr. Kalif has voluntarily agreed to cease doing business in the County of Ocean permanently as the result of a "Consent Agreement" signed January 7 of this year. The Consent Agreement was read on the record March 16 before the Honorable Judge Scott Basen of the Lakewood Township Municipal Court. Mr. Kalif was fined $40,000 as a penalty as part of the Consent Agreement.

"As gold prices soar to record highs, reaching as much as $3,500 an ounce, the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs is strictly enforcing the Consumer Fraud Act along with the rules and regulations of the Division of Weights and Measures to prevent dishonest business practices and protect residents," said Ronald Heinzman, Director of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. "The Division of Weights and Measures continues to investigate all complaints related to the sale of gold and precious metals in Ocean County."

This case was handled by members of the Division of Weights and Measures with legal oversight from Laura Comer, Esq., County Counsel and Prosecutor for Consumer Affairs. The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs would also like to thank the Lakewood Township Police Detective Bureau for their assistance with this investigation.