If you think you have struck a bargain when it comes to diamonds for sale, we do caution you to be extremely careful. We have been made aware of fake diamonds being sold, making up a long list of scams in South Africa.
Because we love Junk Mailers and try to keep all our users up-to-date with the latest scams in South Africa, we are going to dive a little deeper into these types of scams being run, giving you some tips and tricks on how to avoid creative scammers.
Being Scammed – Fake Diamonds
Unfortunately we live in a time where online scams target internet users on a daily basis. This is also true when it comes to buying rough or uncut diamonds.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: Junk Mail does not allow the advertising of ANY rough, raw or uncut diamonds as it is an illegal practice. An exception is made for cut/shaped diamonds, but only of it is accompanied by a grading certificate or a proof of purchase. Should you have these documents, please state so in the ad you place on Junk Mail. You can read more by visiting our Junk Mail Advertising Policy page.
Should you come across any ads on www.JunkMail.co.za that look suspicious, please inform our Customer Care team:
- (012) 432 2295
- scam@junkmail.co.za
Buying fake or illegal diamonds is a real possibility, especially if you are not experienced or do not have knowledge in the field.
Here are some tips to help when you are looking at diamonds for sale:
- First of all, make sure that all the proper documentation and permits are in place. If you are unsure about this process, consult a professional in the industry.
- Never buy before seeing and inspecting the diamonds for yourself. If you are inexperienced in this field, see if a professional can accompany you. A jeweller is a great option as he/she will have knowledge of all the proper documentation as well as the characteristics of diamonds (and fake diamonds for that matter).
- Should the diamonds you are interested in not be fake, get a professional to do an appraisal.
- Meeting a ‘professional’ seller in his/her private residence, should be a sign that sends you running for the hills.
- When setting up a meeting with a potential seller, make sure that it is in a safe and public space. People running scams will not be willing to meet at places like police stations.
The most important thing to remember when buying diamonds is the documentation and certificates. Always ensure that these certificates and documentation are not only in place, but authentic as well. Scammers will not be able to provide these permits and documents.
Because sellers and buyers of rough diamonds are required to hold certain permits as well certificates for their diamonds by law, you can verify whether your seller is the real McCoy.
Regulated by the South African Diamond & Precious Metal Regulator (SADPMR), South Africa is compliant with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. This means that diamonds for sale should have a Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC).
The Regulations and Paperwork when it comes diamonds in South Africa
When it comes to rough diamonds in South Africa, you should be aware that there are extremely strict regulations, both for traders as well as the owners of these diamonds. In order to trade or be in possession of rough or uncut diamonds, you will need to hold all the relevant permits.
Established in 1987 in terms of the Diamond Act (Act 56 of 1986), the South Africa Diamond Board regulates control over the purchase, possession and sale of diamonds, as well as the export and processing of diamonds. Later it was delisted as a Schedule 3A public entity and replaced by the South African Diamond & Precious Metal Regulator (SADPMR) in March of 2007. This was established by Section 3 of the Diamond Act.
This regulator was established to administer both the Precious Metal Act (Act 37 of 2005) and the Diamonds Act (of 1989 and amended in 2005).
One of the main functions of the SADPMR is to facilitate the selling, buying, importing and exporting of diamonds. This is achieved through the Diamond Exchange and Export Centre (DEEC).
According the South African Revenue Service (SARS), when it comes to importing unpolished or rough diamonds, you will only be allowed to register the diamond for import/export if it is accompanied by a Kimberly Process Certificate (KPC).
Importing unpolished diamonds must be verified and undergo a final inspection by the SADPMR. These diamonds must also have a KPC. Importing unpolished or rough diamonds without this in place, will make your import illegal.
As you can see, real diamonds have something fake diamonds (or even ‘blood diamonds’ for that matter) do not have – an official paper trail. When it comes to diamonds for sale, it is always best to use a properly licensed trader meeting all the regulations set out by the South African government.
The rules and regulations set up are extremely complicated for those of us not active within the industry to understand. Blood or conflict diamonds are a reality, and so is illegal mining practices throughout Africa.
Keep in mind that one of two things can happen when purchasing diamonds using questionable routes and traders. These diamonds can either be illegal (which will land you in an unexplainable amount of trouble), or you can fall for one of the many scams in South Africa and buy fake diamonds.
For more information on regulations, certifications and permits, visit the South African Diamond and Precious Metal Regulator website.
Good job Annabel! Hundreds of innocent victims has lost BIG money due to these gangsters.