Why Certificates and Assay Reports Are Targeted by Fraudsters
Gold scams in Ghana often hinge on fake documents. Fraudsters know international buyers look for official-looking paperwork, so they present:
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Counterfeit PMMC certificates showing “approval” for export.
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Forged assay reports claiming purity (e.g. 22k, 24k) from fake labs.
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Fabricated invoices and shipping documents tied to non-existent consignments.
The problem? Many of these papers look authentic to an untrained eye, but only the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ghana Minerals Commission can issue valid export approvals and assays.
Common Warning Signs of Fake Gold Certificates
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PMMC logos or stamps that look blurred, altered, or outdated.
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Certificates issued by private labs claiming “assay authority.”
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No traceable reference numbers that can be checked with PMMC.
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Sellers refusing to let you independently confirm documents.
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Reports showing purity percentages only without proper seals or signatures.
Why PMMC Certification Matters
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Under Ghanaian law, only PMMC can certify gold for export.
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Every legitimate shipment is valued and assayed by PMMC in Accra.
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Certificates can be verified directly with PMMC before payment is made.
If a seller presents assay reports from unknown labs or claims to “bypass PMMC,” it’s almost certainly a scam.
How Clinton Consultancy Protects Clients
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Document Verification: We cross-check certificates and assay reports directly with PMMC and Minerals Commission.
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Exporter Licensing Checks: We confirm whether the company has a valid Minerals Commission licence to trade and export gold.
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Due Diligence Reports: We deliver red-flag memos and full due diligence reports within 5–10 working days.
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Transaction Structuring: Drafting contracts that require escrow, arbitration clauses, and PMMC certification before funds are released.
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Dispute Handling: If fraud has occurred, we assist with filing complaints at EOCO, CID, and pursuing civil restitution.
Why Clinton Consultancy
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Experience: Years of representing international victims of gold fraud in Ghana and Sierra Leone.
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Regulator Access: Direct liaison with PMMC, Minerals Commission, and enforcement agencies.
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Preventive Focus: We help you avoid scams before they happen.
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Fixed Fees: Transparent packages for due diligence and contract drafting.
FAQs
Q: Can any lab issue an assay report in Ghana?
No. Only PMMC has statutory authority to assay and certify gold for export.
Q: How can I confirm if a PMMC certificate is real?
We contact PMMC directly to cross-check reference numbers and seals.
Q: What if I already paid against a fake certificate?
We can assist in filing criminal complaints and pursuing asset recovery.
Q: How fast can you verify documents?
A red-flag check can be delivered within 48–72 hours.
Call to Action
Presented with a gold certificate or assay report from Ghana? Don’t risk your money. Clinton Consultancy verifies authenticity directly with regulators before you pay.
WhatsApp: +233 27 252 2695
Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com
