N.J. Cracks Down on Urban 'Cash-For-Gold' Retailers, Issuing Thousands of Violations
By David Madden
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- More than 70 jewelry and pawn shops in six New Jersey cities, including eight stores in Camden, have been cited for violations of state law regarding operations at so-called "cash for gold" stores.
Some ten thousand citations were issued statewide -- more than 700 in Camden -- during the crackdown.
Steve Lee, acting director of the state's Division of Consumer Affairs, labels the operation an "enforcement action" to prevent potential fraud.
"What we found were scales that had not been secured as required by law, that were not approved by the state Office of Weights and Measures, various violations as to receipts and other violations in which stores failed to weigh precious metals in plain view of the seller," he tells KYW Newsradio.
Each alleged violation carries a fine of up to $1,000, but no jail time.
Lee's advice to anyone looking to sell jewelry is, know your rights before you go in. He says they'll continue looking into cash-for-gold operations throughout the state.
The Camden stores cited are:
- F.H. Gold Buyers of Philadelphia, 2406-8 Federal Street: total of 363 alleged violations. In addition, Weights and Measures officers seized one scale from this business.
- Gold Way Jewelry, 204 Broadway: total of 137 alleged violations. In addition, Weights and Measures officers seized one scale from this business.
- La Moda/RQ Jewelers, 1825 River Avenue: total of 94 alleged violations.
- Sam Trading, Inc., 2502-A Federal Street: total of 73 alleged violations.
- Broadway Jewelers, 218 S. Broadway: total of 33 alleged violations. In addition, Weights and Measures officers seized one scale from this business.
- Westfield Gold I Limited, 2720 Westfield Avenue: total of seven alleged violations.
- J Jewelers, 2501-A Federal Street: total of three alleged violations.
- F&C Golden Gate Jewelers, 1498 Mt. Ephraim Avenue: total of one alleged violation. In addition, Weights and Measures officers seized one scale from this business.
