Last month we shared photos of improved counterfeit Perth Mint gold bars in very convincing assay cards in the FakeBullion.com forum (a special feature available only to Supporting Members), and warned that improved Pamp Suisse counterfeits were probably not far behind.
We can now confirm that the same Chinese counterfeiter recently began producing fake Pamp Suisse bars in the same style packaging. Unlike previous counterfeit Pamp bars, which were packaged in crude assay cards with a cardboard insert and crimped plastic edges, these improved fakes are packaged in smooth, stiff laminated plastic assay cards that very closely resemble the genuine product.
The counterfeiter is advertising prototypes of 2.5 gram, 5 gram, 10 gram, 1/2 ounce, and 1 ounce gold bars, as well as 10 gram and 1 ounce silver bars. The bars feature unique laser-engraved serial numbers with matching numbers printed on the assay card. We expect these to start shipping to the US around the end of October. Look for them to show up on eBay and Craigslist shortly thereafter.