Jordan Struggles with Rise of Social Media Fraud Schemes

Jordanians Targeted by Online Gold Scams

A growing trend of online fraud is targeting Jordanians with false promises of cheap gold, according to reports. Scammers are using fake online advertisements and social media groups to lure people into buying gold at significantly lower prices than the local market rate.

Some victims have reported being quoted a price for gold that was lower due to an “online store” claiming it was exempt from manufacturing fees, government licensing costs, or shop rents. Once funds were transferred, the website would disappear, leaving the victim with no recourse.

In another case, a young woman named Tala Al-Habashneh bought gold through a social media platform after agreeing on the price and transferring the promised amount. However, upon closer examination of the product, she found that it was counterfeit, mixed with other metals, and lacked official stamps or invoices to prove its origin or carat.

The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation (JSMO) is the only entity in the kingdom responsible for monitoring precious metal jewellery, including gold, silver, and platinum. All imported jewellery is examined and stamped by the JSMO before being released onto the market. Local workshops are also required to submit jewellery for inspection and verification before it can be sold.

The JSMO has received complaints about companies, websites, and social media groups engaged in fraud by promoting the buying and selling of gold, especially broken or damaged gold through unlicensed individuals. The organisation is monitoring sellers engaged in fraud in coordination with security authorities to prevent jewellery from being sold outside licensed shops.

The Jordanian Association of Jewelry and Goldsmiths has also reported numerous complaints about gold sales conducted through social media platforms that often use edited or fabricated images and fake offers to attract buyers. The association has urged citizens to buy gold only via licensed and accredited shops that display official prices and issue proper invoices to protect their rights.

In response, the JSMO is tightening oversight of gold shops and sellers in the kingdom, and any store found selling unstamped jewellery or violating legal standards will face legal penalties.

Source: Al Jazeera