When a person owns bullion and keeps personal possession of it, it will retain value. Its purchasing power could even surge.

Metals investors aren't relying upon the smooth functioning of the financial system and the good stewardship of corporate executives and political leaders – thank goodness.

The only steward is the individual investor, and that is a responsibility which should not be taken lightly. They must stay alert and think carefully about safeguarding their investment.

Secure Your Gold & Silver and Keep Your Mouth Shut

Metals investors are naturally aware it is important to keep their coins, rounds, and bars in a safe place – whether it be in a home safe or hidden away. They need also to know that none of these methods are foolproof.

If thieves know a person owns bullion, it can be stolen. So, nothing is more important than an investor keeping his or her mouth shut. There are plenty of guides available with methods for safekeeping online – see here for example.

In this article, though, we'd like to focus investors on a less obvious threat.

The number of scams involving precious metals is proliferating. Criminals have always targeted gold and silver because pretty much nothing is easier to fence at or near full market value. Con artists know the promise of gold can play to a victim's greed.

Many laugh off the idea of being scammed. They believe the only people falling for one of these schemes are rubes dumb enough to believe an email which says they are the only heir to some Nigerian prince's fortune.