jultorsk

I'm certainly not an "OG" but I just don't see much more the Forum could do. Address verification might be a possibility but is non-trivial to implement in a useful and legal way. Any sort of insurance fund is an even thornier proposition in reality. I don't know, but my impression is that some members haven't had experience of setting up systems/processes that handle money, PII, etc. (other than informally) and don't really appreciate the difficulty.
TBH though people should read the T&Cs before trading/relying on the forum, I don't think anyone should be surprised that the forum isn't a guarantor for trades. It's a web forum. It doesn't even take a fee/percentage on sales and monthly fees aren't even mandatory. I don't know why anyone would expect anything else, any more than you would on a Facebook group or Gumtree (not that I actually use either myself).
 

@Roy
Couldn't have said it better myself. 
Legend.

Totally agree with this.
It sounds like the woke brigade are here and want their noses wiped and their shoelaces tied! 😇
It's an adult forum where people can buy/sell/trade in precious metals and where there's opportunity there's also risk. You must avoid, or at least mitigate, said risks, and you must use all your 'special skills'.
As @motorbikez quotes, 'the problem with common sense is that it isn't that common'
If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
@ChrisSilver has been clear from the forum beginnings that 'The Forum' is not liable for and cannot mediate any trading.
'Disclaimer: The following applies to all Members/Sellers on the forum. Members trade at their own risk. The Silver Forum does not vet any members/sellers on the forum and neither myself nor the forum is liable for any loss(es) that may result from trades. Myself and The Silver Forum also can not mediate any trades, this is between the two parties to discuss and resolve any issues that they might have.'

And suggests:
'Members may wish to use PayPal for added PayPal buyer protection. Note that PayPal gift payments are not covered under the PayPal buyer protection. You may also wish to take advantage of @BackyardBullion Intermediary service, this service is aimed at reducing risk and is especially useful if you are a new members without any trading reputation on the forum.'
He's facilitated £750,000 worth of trades this year alone and probably values his reputation more than that. He's earnt it.
Don’t try and figure out a solution to what isn’t really a problem.

But then someone has to define or decide what is and isn't a "silly risk". Some people have already remarked that they, personally, would not have dealt with the seller in this case.
And if a fresh, never-seen-before but paying member turns up and claims they received sherbet lemons, do you just pay out?

There is no way that an escrow service on behalf of the forum would be practical.
I have sold £3/4 million worth of gold, silver and platinum on behalf of other people since January this year alone. 
I have in no way taken the bulk of trade that happens on this forum. 
I don't know if there even is a way to measure it but I wouldn't be surprised if the forum facilitates the sales of over £10m per year.
I know a lot of people have gotten scared of trading on the forum because of this incident but out of £10m plus transactions for only a few thousand pounds to be scammed is a very small percentage.
I would agree with a lot of other members by saying that doing your due diligence would be best. I would not have been comfortable buying up front with this seller looking at his profile and this thread (no pictures etc.)
That's not me saying it's the buyers fault, but it is me saying that we have a responsibility as a community but first and foremost is our own individual responsibility to how we spend our own money.
I am not in favor of a pot of money from members fees. This would be the paid membership essentially paying for all the risk of any basic member and in addition would maybe lead to complacency with buyers thinking they can fall back on such a fund if they get scammed.
I have my intermediary service, use it if you are concerned.

That exists - BYB provides that service. It costs money, of course - people don't work for free. Remember that you need to escrow both the money and the items (so double postage costs) to protect both sides. Edit: Technically BYB doesn't escrow the money but with bank transfers it should be possible to prove whether someone paid or not - my point is that you have to escrow the physical goods with all the implied work and costs of doing so.
First problem - now there's the risk of people trying to scam the fund unless you run is as an escrow service like BYB.
Second problem - I don't really want to pay for other people's choices on who to trade with, particularly if they're insulated against the down-side (or have them pay for mine, really).
TBH I think things are near-optimal as they are. You use your judgement and take your own risks, or you pay for an escrow service like BYB's (after using your judgement there too, of course, and accepting the residual counter-party risk). I'm ok with proof-of-address but I'm not sure it'll help that much.

Welcome Gold Hunters!
Looking to sell my four sovs as a lot:
2005 (Timothy Noad), 2022 Jubilee, 2022 Memorial and 2023 Coronation
Price: £1610 including SD 
PENDING TRADE 
BT and UK only
Thank you!

Hi Everyone 
I have my Coronation 5 SOV coming back to me in the next week or so, been graded by GolddiggerDave. Who ever the buyer is I will get Dave to ship it to you. 
Price: £3700
Like I said Dave will ship it to you Special Delivery.
Bank Transfer no returns. 
Trusted Seller and most know Dave is trustworthy.
 

July 2022, Atkinsons had brand new 1oz Brits for £1512 (delivered), I waited because I was aiming for £1499, that day never came, now I regret it. Don’t be me. 😑

I don’t know about Gold price movements but you are spot on about what might go down in London this weekend, unfortunately innocent people and businesses will be affected.
We are certainly going to see terrible scenes.

Reminds me of...
 

Just wait till you deal with me , mind blowing 🤣

The chart below shows history and where money failed and gold thrived - nothing much more needs saying other than the following potential likelihood:
No meaningful upward moves pre during 2024, sideways/down meantime - then a longer bull run for up to 5 years, maybe even 10 this time say some - given the magnitude and multitude of global shoes yet to fall.
Then potentially further into 4th turning.

To show why so many collectors prefer the ‘Gillick’ to the more modern issues. 
65 years ago Sovereigns looked like this cf last years bullion and proof versions
Feel free to zoom in and check out the condition and lustre. What’s not to like?….. Photo taken in natural lighting - colour is spot on IMO. 👍

Both of my sovs on a recent visit to the SDB. Something about the lighting in there makes it look like there is more than 2. 
 
 

My latest and my oldest so far.

Dirty background. All bids withdrawn
...
£270

I can see why, fantastic design and great price. 

Not my usual thing at all but had to go for this, I just quite like it

Due back from the US shortly. One of only 11 in top grade.
£750 posted UK and NI

 

Will this impact gold and silver on opening this evening.. a small bank, but will it spook the market, interbank trust is being eroded now and so interbank lending rates will increase.

Citizens Bank has gone bust in America overnight https://www.fdic.gov/resources/resolutions/bank-failures/failed-bank-list/



 

Food for thought? 🤔

We all do!  

I thought I was doing ok with a pair of sovs. 2 is a stack right?🧐

Big gold ain't to bad, even though it's locked in a cold vault out of reach