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PeerMetals is committed to creating a safe and trustworthy marketplace for buyers and sellers. Scammers target every marketplace, and precious metals marketplaces are no exception. This guide explains the scams we see most often on PeerMetals, how to recognize them, and what to do if you have already clicked a link or shared information.
If a message breaks any of these rules, it is a scam, no matter whose name or logo it uses.
We will never ask you to verify, unlock, or restore your account through a link in a message, comment, or email.
We will never ask for your password, 2FA code, card number, bank account details, or Social Security number in a message or comment.
We will never ask you to "confirm" or "accept" a sale on another website before you can be paid.
We will never leave comments on your listings about your account, a sale, or a payment.
We will never send you a Google Doc, Google Drive file, or file-sharing link to "verify" anything.
Our only website is peermetals.com. Real orders, payouts, and account notices always appear inside your PeerMetals account.
Phishing is when a scammer pretends to be PeerMetals (or someone you trust) to get you to click a link and type in your login, payment, or personal information. These are the versions our members have reported.
"Your account has been restricted" messages: A direct message claims your account is restricted or under review because of a "Privacy Policy update" or an "important change to ticket #XXXX," and says you must "complete verification within 24 hours." The link goes to a fake site made to look like PeerMetals.
Fake "your item sold" notices: A message or listing comment says your item was purchased (often with a made-up order number) and that "our payment system has been updated," so you must follow a link to "confirm and receive payment" or "update your account info." The fake page asks for your card, bank details, or SSN. No real sale ever requires this.
Fake support accounts in comments: Accounts with names like "PeerMetals Support," "peermetals2support," or "Security Team" post comments on listings and posts warning that your account will be locked unless you click a link. Anyone can type a name, so a support-sounding name proves nothing.
"Verification" documents: A message links to a Google Doc, Google Drive file, or similar shared file for a "security verification process." These files are created by the scammer, even though they are hosted on a well-known website.
Fake buyers asking for bank details: Someone poses as a buyer and asks for your bank account or routing number "to send payment." Buyers on PeerMetals pay through checkout. They never need your bank information.
Requests to move off PeerMetals: A "buyer" asks you to continue on WhatsApp, text, or email, or to pay or be paid by Zelle, Venmo, PayPal Friends & Family, gift cards, or crypto. Once you leave PeerMetals, Buyer Protection and our fraud checks no longer apply.
Scam messages can arrive as real PeerMetals emails. When someone messages you or comments on your listing, PeerMetals emails you a notification that includes their text. The email is genuinely from us, but the words inside it were written by the other member. Judge the message, not the envelope.
Check the exact address: The real site is peermetals.com and nothing else. Addresses like peermetals.about-ticket.com, peermetals-verify.com, verlfy-peermetals.net, or anything.com/peermetals are fake, even though they contain our name.
Watch for the "@" trick: In a link like [email protected], everything before the "@" is ignored and you land on the other site.
Be wary of shortened links: Links from bit.ly, tr.ee, linktr.ee, and similar services hide where they really go.
Look for pressure: "Within 24 hours," "your funds will be frozen," and "final notice" are designed to make you act before you think.
Heed our warnings: PeerMetals flags risky links in messages. Links that impersonate PeerMetals are blocked and shown in red. Other outside links show where they really go and ask you to confirm before you leave the site. In notification emails, unverified links are hidden. If you see one of these warnings, stop and check.
Don't click the link. Open a new browser tab and type peermetals.com yourself, or open the PeerMetals app.
Look for the order yourself. Sellers can check Seller Hub → Orders. Buyers can check My Orders. If the sale isn't there, the message is fake.
Check your account notices on the site. Any real account issue will be shown when you sign in to peermetals.com.
Still unsure? Ask us. Send a screenshot through our contact page using the Report Fraud category, or ask in support chat. We're always happy to confirm.
Act quickly. The sooner you do these steps, the less a scammer can do.
Change your PeerMetals password right away from your account settings, and change it on any other site where you used the same password.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) in your account settings.
Call your bank or card issuer if you entered card or bank details, and ask them to block the card or watch for fraud.
Check your payout details (sellers) at Seller Hub → Payments to make sure your bank account hasn't been changed.
Protect your identity if you entered your SSN: consider a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and visit IdentityTheft.gov.
Tell us through the contact page (Report Fraud) so we can secure your account and remove the scammer.
If you lost money, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Fake Listings: Listings that offer items at prices too good to be true or use stolen photos.
Stolen-payment orders: Brand-new accounts placing large or rushed orders (often gold, often with upgraded shipping) using stolen cards or bank accounts, sometimes shipping to an empty address. If an order feels off, contact support before you ship. We can review it.
Unauthorized Payments: Sellers or buyers requesting transactions outside the platform to avoid fees.
Buy from Trusted Sellers: Look for sellers with positive reviews and high ratings.
Avoid Outside Transactions: Always complete your purchases within PeerMetals to ensure the Buyer Protection Policy applies.
Verify Listings: Check item descriptions, photos, and seller details carefully. If something feels off, report the listing.
Never share your bank details with a buyer: Buyers pay through PeerMetals checkout. Your payout account is managed only in Seller Hub.
Verify Buyers: Be cautious of buyers who request special handling, unusual shipping methods, or push for communication outside PeerMetals.
Secure Payments: Only ship items after the order appears in Seller Hub → Orders. A message or email saying you made a sale is not proof of payment.
Keep Records: Maintain clear documentation of item conditions, shipping, and communications with buyers.
Take Photos and Videos: When packaging your items, take supporting photos and videos of your process.
Direct Messaging: Keep all conversations in PeerMetals messages. They help us resolve disputes and protect you.
Two-Factor Authentication: Turn on 2FA in your account settings so a stolen password alone can't unlock your account.
Tracking and Shipping Labels: Always use the label provided to you by PeerMetals, and opt for shipping insurance for extra peace of mind.
Reporting Tools: Use Report User in any conversation, report suspicious listings, and block users who contact you with scams.
If an offer or request feels suspicious, take a moment to verify before proceeding.
Avoid rushing into transactions with users who pressure you for quick decisions.
Urgency, threats to lock your account, and requests for personal or financial information are the clearest signs of a scam.
Don't reply or click: Don't engage with the sender or open any links they sent.
Report the User or Listing: Use Report User in messages or the report option on the listing to flag suspicious activity, then block the user.
Contact Support: Submit a Report Fraud request on our contact page with a screenshot. It helps us remove the account quickly and warn other members.
Review the Buyer Protection Policy: Understand the steps to take if a transaction goes wrong.
If you have any questions or concerns about avoiding scams on PeerMetals, or you're not sure whether a message is real, our support team is here to help. Visit our support page for more help. When in doubt, don't click. Ask us first.
