GOLD. DE warns of fraud involving impersonated law firms

The comparison portal GOLD. DE has issued a warning regarding a sophisticated fraud scheme where criminals impersonate legitimate insolvency administrators to sell fake gold bullion offers. Scammers use professional emails and catalogs, utilizing real law firm names, addresses, and commercial register data to deceive victims.

In several documented cases, criminals used domains that closely mimicked official law firm websites. For example, offers were made in the name of Flöther & Wissing and Schultze & Braun, with gold bars priced significantly below market value—ranging from 20 to 38 percent below the metal value. Another instance involved the law firm GÖRG and insolvency administrator Prof. Dr. habil. Gerrit Hölzle, where fake catalogs offered Heraeus gold at a steep discount via a fraudulent domain.

Key red flags identified include the absence of essential insolvency details, such as case numbers, responsible courts, or proof that the goods belong to an insolvency estate. Experts note that because gold is a highly liquid asset, legitimate insolvency administrators would have no reason to sell bullion significantly below its current market value.