DOUG DAVIS
On Fighting Coin Crimes
Doug Davis is the founder and president of the Numismatic Crime Information Center and has over 40 years of experience in law enforcement. Davis is also the director of anti-counterfeiting for the AntiCounterfeiting Educational Foundation. He is recognized as a leading expert in numismatic crime investigations and conducts law enforcement schools and educational seminars to educate ocials about the complex challenges associated with numismatic crimes.
How serious is the counterfeit coin and bullion problem, and what can consumers do to protect themselves?
Counterfeit coins and precious metals pose a significant economic threat to the numismatic industry and the U.S. monetary system. Millions of dollars in counterfeit coins are sold annually by counterfeiters who target and prey on the elderly and an uneducated public by using mass marketing programs on websites and social media platforms.
Because of the concern over the uncertainty of the U.S. economy and global unrest, consumers are turning to numismatic coins and precious metals as a substitute for conventional methods of investment. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, consumers should educate themselves in the basics of numismatics and precious metals.
Counterfeiting technology gets better daily. Fake third-party grading holders can, in many cases, even fool the experienced collector, investor, or dealer. It is important for the consumer to buy from a reputable source such as a Professional Numismatist
Guild or American Numismatic Association dealer or local established dealer.
Online companies should be carefully vetted to ensure credibility before making any purchase. Based upon the volatility of the coin and metals market and increased demand, if the price sounds too good to be true, then most likely it is a counterfeit.
How can coin collectors, dealers and investors securely transport coins and precious metals?
Coin collectors, investors and dealers are prime targets for organized criminal groups and individuals seeking to steal your coins and precious metals. To reduce the chances of becoming a numismatic crime victim, you should conduct a personal and business security risk assessment to determine your strengths and weaknesses, especially when traveling with coins and precious metals.
A mistake made by many dealers and collectors is being apathetic and thinking that it won’t ever happen to them. at can result in a huge nancial loss, injury,
Because of the concern over the uncertainty of the U.S. economy and global unrest, consumers are turning to numismatic coins and precious metals as a substitute for conventional methods of investment. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, consumers should educate themselves in the basics of numismatics and precious metals.”
or both. Knowing what real-time criminal activity is occurring within the numismatic industry and the method of operation helps identify potential threats.
Maintain a low pro le, and be cognizant of your surroundings and any suspicious person or activities occurring in the immediate area. Do not brag about purchasing a big deal, ash cash, or show how much inventory you are carrying. In other words, don’t advertise that you are a potential target.
How risky are overnight couriers in sending rare coins and bullion? Are there precautions that can be taken to assure that coins and metals aren’t removed from the box while in transit?
Since the pandemic, e-commerce has dramatically increased, and so have the chances of having a package stolen. Package theft has become an epidemic of its own and a boon for the criminals who prey on parcels.
Collectors, dealers, and investors should understand that there is a higher risk of shipping valuable packages today than ever before. Proper packaging and labeling are extremely important to enhance safe delivery. Packages should be double-boxed and secured by heavy strapping tape.
Photos should be taken of the package for documentation in case the package is lost or stolen. When labeling, do not use wording that indicates the package contains coins or precious metals (such as ABC Coin). e risk of shipping coins and precious metals is higher now than ever before and occurs with all major carriers.
Photos should be taken of the package for documentation in case the package is lost or stolen. When labeling, do not use wording that indicates the package contains coins or precious metals (such as ABC Coin). The risk of shipping coins and precious metals is higher now than ever before and occurs with all major carriers.”
How long should United States Postal Service (USPS) Registered Mail take? What should someone do at the twoweek stage if there hasn’t been a recent scan? How about a USPS next-day
The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to serve as a national and international resource for collectors, dealers, and law enforcement in the education, prevention, and investigation of crimes involving coins, paper money and related numismatic items.”
Priority Express Mail that hasn’t been delivered in three days?
Based upon a recent meeting with postal inspectors, the safest way to ship coins and precious metals is by Registered Mail. Before the pandemic, Registered Mail usually was delivered within three to seven days.
However, post-pandemic, we are seeing delivery times as long as several weeks. Collectors, dealers, and investors need to keep a close watch on the tracking of packages and contact USPS immediately if there are any problems while in transit. We are seeing cases of stolen or lost packages involving Priority Next Day and Express Mail. However, stolen, and lost packages are occurring at all shipping levels.
If you ship a lot of packages, become friends with your local postal employees and drivers of other couriers such as FedEx and UPS.
What percentage of packages containing valuable coins or bullion sent by one- or two-day courier are pilfered or stolen altogether—and is there one safe courier?
It is difficult to put a number on this, but national statistics show 49 million Americans have had at least one package stolen or lost in the last 12 months.
Lost and stolen packages occur with all the carriers, but USPS Registered Mail seems to be the best at this time.
What services do you and your company provide to consumers to help prevent and fight crime?
The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to serve as a national and international resource for collectors, dealers, and law enforcement in the education, prevention, and investigation of crimes involving coins, paper money and related numismatic items.
NCIC disseminates current crimerelated issues to the numismatic industry and community via numismatic crime alerts. NCIC provides valuable investigative resources for law enforcement and serves as an advocate for victims of numismatic crimes. You can sign up for alerts at www. numismaticcrimes.org