21 jewelers in N.J. face cash-for-gold complaints

Consumer Affairs officials have completed an investigation into cash-for-gold shops in New Jersey.

They announced on Thursday that 936 civil citations had been issued against 21 jewelers across northern and central New Jersey.

The shops are in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex and Union counties.

Investigators often posed undercover as consumers seeking to sell their gold.

They found numerous instances where stores had violated New Jersey laws by failing to use scales that had been properly certified or kept in plain view, as required.

Investigators say several stores also neglected to post prices paid for precious metals and did not keep proper receipts.

State law also requires that buyers obtain proof of identification from sellers, to curb theft. State officials said there were several instances where required ID was missing.