Fake gold bars exist, even in Dubai’s regulated market. Here’s how to protect yourself with simple checks anyone can do.
Check the Weight-Size Ratio
Gold is dense. A 100g bar should feel heavy for its size much heavier than steel or brass. If it feels light, something’s wrong.
Compare it to verified bars at Belora to understand what genuine weight feels like.
The Magnet Test
Real gold isn’t magnetic. Bring a strong magnet. If the bar sticks or shows attraction, it’s fake or heavily alloyed.
Simple, quick, effective.
Inspect Markings Carefully
Genuine bars have sharp, clear engravings showing purity, weight, refinery name, and serial numbers. Blurry stamps or misspellings signal counterfeits.
Check the refinery logo against official images online. Fakes often get details wrong.
The Ping Test
Tap the bar with metal. Real gold produces a long, clear ring. Fake bars make dull thuds because tungsten and other metals don’t resonate like gold.
Search online for gold ping test videos to hear the difference.
Measure Precisely
Use calipers to measure dimensions. Compare against published specifications for that bar size. Tungsten-filled fakes are often slightly larger to match gold’s weight.
Even 1-2mm differences matter.
Look for Seams
Examine edges under light. Counterfeiters sometimes create gold-plated shells around cheaper metals. Visible seams or inconsistent coloring reveals this.
Verify Serial Numbers
Reputable refineries maintain databases of serial numbers. Call the refinery or check their website to confirm your bar’s serial number is legitimate and matches the weight and year.
The Ice Test
Place ice on the bar. Gold conducts heat excellently ice melts fast. Slower melting suggests other metals.
Not foolproof, but adds another data point.
Trust Your Source
The best protection is buying from licensed, established dealers. Belora only sources from certified refineries and provides full documentation with every purchase.
We verify authenticity so you don’t have to worry.
When in Doubt
If anything feels off, walk away. Never let sellers pressure you into quick decisions. Legitimate dealers welcome scrutiny.
For significant purchases, Belora can arrange independent verification before you commit.
Red Flags to Never Ignore
Prices far below market rates. Missing documentation. Reluctance to test or verify. Unfamiliar refinery names. Pressure to buy immediately.
These signs mean to walk away fast.
Protection Through Prevention
Buy only from reputable sources with proper licensing. Keep all documentation. Photograph serial numbers. Store receipts digitally and physically.
Belora provides certified bars with complete documentation, protecting your investment from day one.
The Reality
Sophisticated fakes exist, but basic checks catch most counterfeits. Combine multiple tests for confidence. When investing serious money, professional verification is worth the small cost.
Visit Belora for guaranteed authentic gold bars backed by certification and our reputation in Dubai’s gold market.
