黄金造假触目惊心：万元首饰成本仅几十元，大品牌也难逃造假漩涡

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing prevalence of counterfeit gold in the market, driven by rising gold prices exceeding 650 yuan per gram, leading to a loss of consumer trust and the emergence of a sophisticated black market for fake gold products [1][16]. Group 1: Counterfeit Methods - Counterfeit methods have evolved from simple practices to a complex industrial chain, including: - Electroplating: A process where a thin layer of gold is applied to a base metal, costing only a few dozen yuan but sold for thousands [1]. - Density disguise: Using tungsten as an inner core to mimic the density of real gold, making it difficult to detect even with advanced equipment [2]. - Forged certificates: Consumers can purchase fake "certificates" online for as little as 11.64 yuan, with no need for sample submission [3]. - Scene forgery: Underground factories replicate brand stamps and packaging, with costs as low as 300 yuan for a complete set [4]. Group 2: Brand Trust Crisis - Major brands like Chow Tai Fook and Lao Feng Xiang face significant trust issues due to: - Over 90% of their stores being franchise operations, with Chow Tai Fook at 96% and Lao Feng Xiang at 90% [6]. - Regulatory loopholes allowing counterfeit products to enter the market through franchise systems, with 3500 counterfeit items seized in Shenzhen [6]. - A lack of expertise among store staff, with 35% unable to distinguish between real and fake products [6]. Group 3: E-commerce Challenges - E-commerce platforms, particularly live-streaming sales, have become hotspots for gold counterfeiting: - Low-price inducements often lead to the sale of fake products disguised as genuine [7]. - Instances of consumers purchasing items that were later found to be copper alloys, despite being marketed as gold [7]. - Scams where sellers disappear after receiving payment, leading to a significant number of complaints [7]. Group 4: Consumer Protection Tips - To safeguard against counterfeit gold, consumers are advised to: - Verify the "three codes": check the gold jewelry for stamps, anti-counterfeiting codes, and third-party certificates [9]. - Conduct density tests to ensure the product's authenticity [10]. - Prefer purchasing from brand-owned stores and official online platforms [11]. - Be cautious of fixed prices and ensure clarity on weight and processing fees [12]. - Retain invoices and communication records for potential claims [13]. Group 5: Industry Upgrades in Anti-counterfeiting - Some brands are adopting advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies: - Digital IDs: Incorporating NFC chips for traceability of gold products [14]. - Laser micro-engraving: Engraving microscopic codes in hidden areas of jewelry, requiring specialized equipment for identification [15].