Congress Will Grill Gold Dealer, Glenn Beck Sponsor

July 20, 2010 — -- Congress will ask top executives from Goldline, the precious metals dealer that is a major sponsor of Glenn Beck's television and radio programs, to testify about the company's aggressive sales tactics.

"My view is that these commentators are doing a disservice to their viewers," said Rep. Anthony Weiner, a New York Democrat, in an interview with ABC News. " I don't know and it remains to be seen whether Goldline is doing anything illegal. It sure seems that way."

Weiner and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Illinois) announced the hearing Tuesday after an ABC News report in which some customers of Goldline described how they felt cheated by the company. Consumer complaints have also prompted an investigation by local officials in California, who said they were disturbed to hear about the high pressure approach used by Goldline and one other company, Superior Gold Group. And they have prompted a class action lawsuit, filed in South Carolina Tuesday morning against the company on behalf of customers who allege they have been ripped off.

The most pervasive complaint focused on what one former Goldline employee described as a push to convince customers to invest their money in collectable gold coins, rather than in gold bullion. Unlike bullion, the coins carry a hefty mark-up. Goldline customers told ABC News that they found the coins were also much more difficult to sell without taking a loss.

In an interview on Good Morning America, Goldline executive vice president Scott Carter responded to allegations that his company has made a fortune by persuading gold investors that collectable coins are worth buying, despite the hefty mark-up. He said the firm, which weaves its sales pitches into broadcasts by popular conservative political personalities – including two former presidential candidates and Fox News host Glenn Beck – is simply offering its customers sound advice.