Geylang Fake Jewellery Syndicate Busted: How to Detect Plated Gold with Professional Testing

Published by BuyGold.sg | Gold Testing Services, Singapore
www.buygold.sg/gold-testing-services

Real Case: The Geylang Fake Gold Jewellery Syndicate (2018–2022)

From 2018 to 2022, authorities in Singapore uncovered a syndicate operating out of Geylang that sold fake gold jewellery to unsuspecting customers — mostly migrant workers and elderly locals. The scammers targeted buyers looking for 916 (22K) gold bangles, rings, and chains at bargain prices.

The jewellery was crafted to closely resemble genuine 22K gold, but upon testing, it was found to be:

Gold plated copper or brass, often just microns thick
Hollow-core designs with misleading weight
Stamped with fake “916” hallmarks

Some victims lost thousands of dollars, thinking they had secured real investment gold.

Common Gold Scam Case: Fake “22K” Chain Bought in Geylang

In recent years, we’ve seen numerous cases in Singapore involving foreign workers being scammed into buying fake gold jewellery from unlicensed shops — especially in areas like Geylang.

One such incident reported in 2022 involved a foreign worker who paid S$950 for a “22K gold chain”. The piece looked genuine and heavy, with a stamp indicating 916 gold.

However, when he brought it to a licensed gold dealer for resale, the item failed both XRF and density tests.

What the XRF Test Revealed:

Surface gold content: Only 0.6% — not 22K
Base material: A mix of brass and copper
No consistent karat value detected

Conclusion: The chain was a fake gold-plated item, worth less than S$10 in scrap metal value.

Why This Happens

Fraudsters often use the following techniques:

Fake hallmarks to mimic real jewellers
Plating with real gold just thick enough to fool cheap testers
Hollow or alloyed designs that feel heavy enough to deceive

Without professional testing, even experienced dealers can be misled.

How to Protect Yourself

Before you:

Sell old jewellery
Buy gold from markets or roadside stalls
Accept inherited pieces as pure gold...

Get your gold tested at BuyGold.sg with our advanced XRF and density testing combination.

We provide:

Fast, walk-in or appointment-based testing services
Transparent results with on-screen reports
Competitive rates — contact us for a quote

How BuyGold.sg Can Help You Avoid This

At BuyGold.sg, we offer professional testing services using the Thermo Scientific XL2 XRF Analyzer and PMV Pro — tools trusted by international bullion dealers and refineries.

If this customer had tested the item with us before buying or pawning, the scam would have been detected instantly.