“State Inspectors Crackdown On 'We Buy Gold' Stores”

State Inspectors Crackdown On 'We Buy Gold' Stores

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 06:22 PM PDT

POSTED: 5:22 pm MST August 19, 2010

UPDATED: 6:13 pm MST August 19, 2010

PHOENIX -- State inspectors have uncovered widespread problems with the scales inside "We Buy Gold" stores across the state.Shawn Marquez, with the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures, said his agency recently inspected 43 gold and jewelry buying businesses and found multiple violations.In all, $45,900 in civil penalties were levied against 39 of those businesses.The violations ranged from faulty scales to scales not sanctioned for commercial use.As a result of the violation, many of the businesses were short-changing customers, according to Marquez."When we test scales and find the scales out of calibration, it is detrimental to the consumer, " said Marquez. "The consumer is not getting what they're paying for."State inspectors have confiscated more than two-dozen faulty scales since June, said Marquez.It was part of a statewide crackdown that uncovered 19 businesses using scales that weighed gold items for less than what that should have.Some of the worst offenders included CNC Wireless We Buy Gold at Thomas Road and 23rd Avenue in Phoenix.According to inspectors, the store had three unlicensed scales and was fined $1,800.Turn It To Cash in Chandler had four unlicensed scales and was fined $2,100.Gold Stash for Cash in Gilbert had eight unlicensed scales and was fined $2,700.State inspectors advise consumers to do their homework before selling their gold and jewelry and to get two or three quotes before closing a deal."Be the best informed person you can before you're taken advantage of and find yourself a victim," said Marquez.

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