MoneyWatch: Managing Your Money
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February 17, 2026 / 1:53 PM EST
/ CBS News
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A poorly vetted precious metals dealer can turn an otherwise smart investment move into a costly headache.
Supitnan Pimpisarn/Getty Images
The silver market has been anything but predictable lately. After rising higher earlier this year and briefly breaking the $100-per-ounce barrier, silver prices slid sharply before dipping and rising — and then dipping again. That price volatility has left silver sitting at about $75 per ounce right now. That’s low compared to recent prices, but the potential to earn big returns amid the volatility has pulled a new wave of silver buyers into the market, helping to further increase demand for the white metal.
But when silver demand spikes quickly, the marketplace tends to change, too. New online precious metal sellers seem to appear overnight, social feeds fill with “exclusive” bullion offers and ads promise unbeatable pricing on silver and other investment metals if you act fast. And, in the midst of all that noise, the legitimate precious metal dealers and questionable operators that dot this landscape can look surprisingly similar at first glance, especially to buyers who haven’t navigated a fast-moving metals market before.
And, a big risk of buying silver right now is picking the wrong seller. A poorly vetted precious metals dealer can turn an otherwise smart investment move into a costly headache. But how exactly can you find a trustworthy silver dealer in this market? That’s what we’ll detail below.
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How to find a reputable silver dealer in today’s market
Buying silver doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. You just have to slow down and vet who you’re buying from as carefully as what you’re buying. Here’s how to do that in today’s market:
Look for a real track record, not just a slick website
Anyone can spin up a polished website and start running ads. What’s harder to fake is a long operating history. Reputable silver dealers typically have:
Multiple years (often decades) in business
A verifiable business address and phone number
Clear company leadership listed on their site
So, do a quick search of the company name plus words like “reviews,” “complaints” or “scam” to see what you can find. You’re not looking for perfection, as even good dealers get the occasional negative review, but the patterns that emerge matter. Repeated complaints about delayed shipments, bait-and-switch pricing or poor communication are all big red flags.
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Check third-party ratings and complaint records
Independent validation goes a long way when you’re looking for a precious metals dealer you can trust. Look up the potential dealers you’re considering with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and consumer protection agencies. A strong rating, a history of resolved complaints and transparent responses from the company all signal professionalism.
You may also want to scan precious metals forums and investor communities to find out what other investors are saying. Issues may surface in these spaces long before they become widely known, so if experienced silver buyers are consistently warning others away from a specific dealer, pay attention.
Compare premiums and pricing transparency
Silver pricing isn’t just about the spot price. Dealers charge premiums that cover fabrication, logistics and profit. The problem starts, though, when pricing isn’t clearly disclosed upfront. A reputable dealer will:
Clearly list the premium over the spot price
Lock in pricing at checkout
Disclose shipping, insurance and any additional fees
Be cautious of vague silver pricing language or “call for today’s special price” tactics that pressure you into a conversation before you see real numbers. Extreme discounts relative to competitors are another warning sign, as no legitimate dealer is consistently selling silver below market price — not without a catch, anyway.
Understand buyback policies before you buy
One of the clearest signs of a legitimate silver dealer is a transparent buyback program. You don’t need to sell your silver back to the same dealer, but reputable sellers usually make it easy to do so. During the vetting process, here’s what to look for:
Published buyback policies
Clear spreads between buy and sell prices
No hidden “processing fees” to liquidate
Silver dealers that avoid the topic of resale or make buybacks intentionally confusing are signaling that they’d rather focus on one-way transactions. And that, in turn, could be a yellow flag that indicates there are problems with the products.
Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics
Urgency is often manufactured, and the silver market is no exception. In today’s silver market, prices move quickly, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy in minutes. High-pressure sales tactics can indicate an issue with the dealer, and red flags include:
Reputable silver dealers will simply provide information and let you decide whether it’s the right option for you. So, if someone is pushing you harder than the market itself is moving, that’s a sign to walk away.
Confirm secure payment and delivery protections
Legitimate silver dealers invest in secure payment systems and insured shipping to protect themselves and their buyers. So, be sure to look for:
Encrypted checkout
Multiple payment options with clear policies
Insured and trackable shipping
If a silver dealer insists on wire transfers only, refuses to provide tracking or discourages insured delivery, you’re taking on unnecessary risk.
The bottom line
Silver’s renewed volatility has made the metal exciting again, but it’s also made the marketplace noisier and riskier for buyers. As a result, finding a reputable silver dealer can be difficult, and typically requires consistency, transparency and proof of credibility.
So, before you make any purchases, slow down, verify track records, compare pricing clearly and avoid high-pressure tactics. The right dealer won’t rush you, hide fees or dodge questions about delivery and buybacks, which can make all the difference between a smart purchase and an expensive lesson.
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