Social media platforms in Jordan are increasingly being used by fraudsters to target people searching for cheap gold deals, with victims reporting financial losses and counterfeit jewellery purchases.

Several Jordanians told Al Jazeera they were tricked by fake online advertisements and social media pages promising gold at prices far below market value.

Mohammed Nassar said he transferred money to an online seller after being offered gold at discounted rates because the seller claimed to avoid shop rents and licensing fees. Shortly after the payment, the website disappeared.

Another buyer, Tala Al-Habashneh, said she purchased gold through social media only to discover the jewellery was counterfeit and mixed with cheaper metals. She later filed a complaint with Jordan’s Cybercrime Directorate.

Authorities tighten monitoring

Jordanian authorities say they are stepping up efforts to combat online gold fraud.

Wafaa Al-Momani, director of the Jewelry Directorate at the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organisation, said the agency is the only official body authorised to inspect and certify precious metals in the country.

She warned that buying gold through unofficial channels does not guarantee the quality or authenticity of the product.

Authorities are now coordinating with security agencies to track fraudulent websites and unlicensed sellers operating online.

Gold trade concerns grow

Rabhi Allan, head of the Jordanian Association of Jewelry and Goldsmiths, said gold remains an important form of savings and investment in Jordan.

He described online gold trading through social media as unusual and risky, stressing that buyers should only purchase from licensed stores that provide official invoices showing the gold’s weight and purity.

According to Allan, many online sellers use fake images and unrealistic discounts to attract buyers before disappearing or delivering counterfeit products.

Cybercrime unit issues warning

Jordan’s Cybercrime Unit confirmed it has received multiple complaints involving fake online gold sales.

Public Security Directorate spokesperson Colonel Amer Al-Sartawi said some victims transferred money and never received any gold, while others received imitation jewellery made from low-value metals such as copper or iron.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid social media gold deals and buy only from certified jewellery stores to protect themselves from fraud.