Core Viewpoint - The rise in gold prices has led to an increase in gold investment schemes, with some companies allegedly using "gold consignment" as a lure to attract investments from the public, particularly targeting older individuals, which raises concerns about potential illegal fundraising activities [1][24]. Group 1: Company Operations - A company named Jin A Ge has been accused of misleading customers into signing gold consignment contracts without actual delivery of gold, promising high returns of up to 30% annually [2][11]. - Customers, such as a woman named Mao, reported that they never received the gold they purchased but were instead given monthly dividends, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the company's operations [3][10]. - The company claims to have a strong financial background and even asserts ownership of gold mines, which has attracted many investors despite the lack of evidence supporting these claims [13][15]. Group 2: Customer Experiences - Multiple complaints have emerged from customers who invested significant amounts of money, only to find themselves unable to retrieve their funds or the gold they were promised [20][23]. - The company has been reported to have a history of similar complaints, with some customers receiving refunds only after media intervention and police involvement [18][24]. - The contracts signed by customers often include clauses that impose penalties for early termination, further complicating the withdrawal of funds [3][11]. Group 3: Regulatory Concerns - Experts in the financial industry have raised alarms about the company's practices, suggesting that they may constitute illegal fundraising under Chinese law, as the operations appear to lack the necessary financial institution qualifications [24][26]. - The company's claims of having a gold mine and substantial financial backing have been scrutinized, with investigations revealing inconsistencies and a lack of credible evidence [15][17]. - Legal experts warn that if the company's operations are found to be fraudulent, it could lead to severe legal consequences for the individuals involved, especially if the fundraising is deemed to be of a particularly large scale [27].