– Gold Bars In France Worth $500,000 Robbed From Pensioner By Fake Cops (Goldcore, Feb 19, 2015):
A curious and sad story broke last night about a pensioner in Paris who had US$500,000 worth of gold bars stolen from his home by con-artists posing as police officers.
The criminals arrived at his home claiming to investigate a gold robbery according to Agence France Presse. The pensioner was asked if he had gold bullion and he told them that he did and allowed them into his home to inspect it.
While one of the robbers distracted the 69-year old with paper work the other stole his gold – 13 bars, each weighing 1 kilogram or 32.15 ounces each with a total value of US$500,000.
The story lacks details but if it proves to be true then it is a cautionary tale for owners of gold who take possession.
We have no details as to why he may have been targeted. It is unlikely that he was selected at random. The thieves must have had some information regarding his affairs. It highlights how discretion is of utmost importance when buying gold.
Storing gold in the home can be quite risky – especially in very large volumes. If one can afford to own €450,000 worth of kilo gold bars, one can afford storage costs. Insurance for gold held in the home is available although it tends to be prohibitively expensive.
We do not discourage holding gold in the home per se but it is essential to take certain precautions. No matter where one’s gold is held one should not disclose the fact that one owns gold except to one’s closest confidantes and indeed in a will.
It is also highlights the importance of buying from established and trusted bullion brokers who have a track record in terms of being very protective of client’s confidentiality and privacy.
Gold has a mysterious aura, pun intended, evoking folklore and mythology which tends to intrigue and fascinate people. People with loose tongues enjoy relaying tales of gold and its owners to eager listeners. One should be certain that one is not the subject of such tales which may fall on ears whose curiosity extends beyond mere gossip.
In the not unlikely event of a currency devaluations, negative attitudes toward gold will shift dramatically. In such a scenario criminals will become very interested in the affairs of gold owners. Some desperate governments will too.
Discretion is vital, not just to protect gold held in the home but also to protect against being forced to ship one’s stored gold home – to hand over to criminals due to intimidation or tiger-raid style coercion.
In the UK and Ireland in recent years, there have been many instances of the homes of Indian national’s being targeted by criminals in search of gold jewelry. These thieves are aware of the strong cultural affinity that Indians have for the precious metal.
When buying gold in volume to be shipped to one’s home it is wise to use a reputable broker who is sensitive to security issues. One does not want one’s information being passed on to unknown third parties.
As with all investments diversification is important – even within asset classes.
If you are compelled to hold gold coins and small bars in your home as a kind of absolute bedrock insurance – and there are plenty of good reasons to do so – that is fine. However, be careful how this is done and other alternatives should also be utilised such as local safety deposit boxes run by reputable firms and the major international vaults in safe locations such as Switzerland and Singapore.
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I don’t believe it. A man in his late sixties is no tottering old man in this day and age. Most of the men I have known who have reached that age or older would no more admit to having that much gold to anyone………..if he did at all. Why would he not keep it secured somewhere? That is absurd.
Where are the data and conditions? Until you have them, don’t waste my time.