Core Insights - The article highlights the risks associated with a new trend in gold purchasing, where consumers use runners for "human flesh purchasing" of gold bars, claiming to save significant amounts of money, but this practice carries hidden criminal risks [1][4]. Group 1: Risks of Gold Purchasing - The low-priced gold in the Shui Bei market attracts consumers, but the reliance on runners for the entire purchasing process raises ethical concerns and risks of fraud [4][5]. - The "human goods separation" model of purchasing is identified as a typical characteristic of money laundering, which could lead to consumers facing legal consequences even if they are unaware of any wrongdoing [5][8]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Environment - Law enforcement agencies are monitoring gold transactions that involve separation of goods and funds, and financial institutions are conducting thorough reviews of unusual money flows [8]. - Consumers are urged to revert to legitimate channels for gold transactions, such as banks or physical stores, to protect their rights and avoid potential legal issues [8]. Group 3: Logistics and Transportation Risks - The high value and small size of gold make it a prime target for theft or substitution during transportation, with cases of undelivered or swapped items being reported [7]. - Consumers may face significant financial losses if gold is not insured during shipping, as compensation is often limited to three times the shipping cost [7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging trend of consumers using personal shoppers to purchase gold bars in Shenzhen, highlighting the associated risks and regulatory changes impacting the gold market. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Recent changes in tax regulations for non-investment gold, effective November 1, 2025, have led to increased costs and price adjustments in the Shenzhen gold market [4] - Some merchants in the Shui Bei market are reportedly selling gold below real-time prices, prompting consumers to save significant amounts, with one individual saving nearly 10,000 yuan [6] Group 2: Consumer Perspectives - Local consumers express a preference for formal transactions, indicating a belief that regulated purchases are safer [8] - Consumers believe that the logistics and transparency of current delivery systems reduce concerns about the safety of purchasing gold through personal shoppers [10] - Some consumers argue that the cost of traveling to Shenzhen to buy gold directly is high, making the use of personal shoppers a practical solution [12] Group 3: Legal and Security Risks - Legal experts warn that using personal shoppers for gold purchases carries significant risks, including potential legal liabilities for all parties involved [14] - There are concerns about financial security, as dishonest personal shoppers could abscond with funds, and the separation of goods and money raises money laundering risks [16] - Experts caution that gold, being high-value and small in size, poses risks during shipping, including loss, damage, or tampering, and recommend purchasing from reputable banks or gold retailers [18]

Core Viewpoint - The recent trend of consumers using personal shoppers to purchase gold bars in Shenzhen's Shui Bei market amid rising gold prices raises concerns about potential risks associated with this practice [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - A new tax policy on gold, effective November 1, 2025, alters the tax deduction rules for non-investment gold, leading to increased costs and price adjustments in the Shenzhen Shui Bei market [3]. - Some merchants in the Shui Bei market are reportedly selling gold below real-time prices, prompting consumers to use personal shoppers to save significant amounts, with reports of savings nearing 10,000 yuan [5]. Group 2: Consumer Perspectives - Consumers express a preference for formal gold transactions, indicating a belief that regulated purchases are safer [7]. - The convenience of logistics and transparency in the current market has led some consumers to feel less concerned about the risks associated with using personal shoppers for gold purchases [9]. - The high cost of traveling to Shenzhen for direct purchases has made the option of using personal shoppers appealing, especially with reliable logistics and quality inspection companies available [11]. Group 3: Legal and Security Risks - Legal experts warn that the process of using personal shoppers for gold purchases carries significant risks, including potential legal liabilities for all parties involved: consumers, personal shoppers, and courier companies [13]. - There are concerns about financial security, as dishonest personal shoppers could abscond with funds, and the separation of goods and money raises money laundering risks, which are closely monitored by law enforcement and financial institutions [15]. - Experts highlight that gold, being high in value and small in size, poses risks during shipping, including loss, damage, or tampering, advising consumers to purchase gold from reputable banks or physical stores and to request proper transaction receipts and invoices [17].