Chaney's Gold and Silver — Local services in Madison

Because this incident occurred during a business transaction conducted on the premises of Chaney's Gold & Silver, I am posting my experience as a customer of this predator.

On a Saturday afternoon, I went alone to Ryan Chaney's business. Only Chaney was present; no other staff were present. I told him I wanted to sell a locket, and thus began what I'd call his "vetting" process.

Note that predators are skilled at identifying potential victims, and likely one glance told him I was prime prey, but first, he proceeded with the vetting process, disguised as a business transaction.

He began by explaining how the price of gold is determined, stating that if I sold my locket now, I'd get X amount, as determined by that day's market price. However, due to shifting market values, I could wait and monitor the market for a higher payout. This was explained with total sincerity in order to establish that he was no swindler, but a trustworthy guy.

Had I said, “I'll wait and monitor the markets,” he'd likely have classified me as too canny to take advantage of. But I didn't care that much, since my locket wasn’t valuable enough for market-monitoring to be worth the stress. So, I said I'd take whatever the piece was worth that day.

This "naivete" probably verified that I was perfect prey, which is why, as we proceeded with the actual transaction, he began making chummy small talk to build rapport. Eventually he dropped a few remarks about his ability to “read” people, describing incidents in which he'd shocked others with his Amazing Insight.

This was bait. A gullible person will respond exactly as I did, which was to say, “Ooh, read me!” He feinted a bit, asking if I was sure, since “it might upset me.”

Know this about con men: They can certainly read body language, and they know what to look for--scars, tattoos, anything that indicates your past experiences and your current situation. Per Google’s review policies, I fully consent to revealing the following personal information about myself: On this day, I was not wearing my wedding ring, and my t-shirt revealed multiple self-injury scars on my arms.

Therefore, since 1) the interaction thus far had proven that I was naive, trusting, and gullible; 2) my body language and scars scream EASY PREY!; and 3) I appeared to be single (though I don't know if my wedding ring would have stopped him), he went for it, like so:

First, he “oriented” himself, clearing his throat and looking very serious as he prepared to start. Then he “read” me, saying he could see the pain and mistreatment I’d experienced, blah blah blah. He even worked up real tears, telling me how I “deserved someone who would treat me right.” (Again, he didn't know I'm married.)

Nothing he said was astonishing—I'm very self-aware. So I took the "reading" with a neutral response. I assume that when he pulls this trick with other prey, they must feel astonished that "someone finally gets me! I've been seen!" and are therefore reeled right in.

However, he definitely noticed I wasn't surprised or spooked or whatever reaction he must typically get; with some confusion, he commented on my lack of surprise. I shrugged—what was I supposed to say, “Sorry you didn’t blow my mind”? At any rate, by then I'd recognised that Chaney had a game plan and that I was the end goal, and I was ready to leave.

He must've realised he was losing me, so (seeing cigarettes in my purse) he invited me outside "for a smoke.” There, still on the premises of his business, he continued his patter, but at this point, I could think only of escape, so I recall only one aspect of this final interaction. Specifically, Chaney said (in reference to his “reading”): “Woo, that was intense. I need a hug, can I have a hug?” I flatly said "No" and left.

Again, importantly, this overture occurred at his business, during a business transaction. I don't know if he's tried these tactics on other customers. I'm unsure what his next move might've been, but I do know that his business—which he apparently doesn’t mind using to catch...

Poor management. Terrible parking. Hours online and on voicemail differ from actual hours.

Response: Two labeled parking spots near your door would make a world of difference to customers. Hours online and voicemail recording should reflect actual hours. (My husband fixed the online hrs after Mr. Chaney told us over the phone he was having issues getting them corrected. That convo was because we were at the door during listed hrs, but no one was there. I then visited a second time during the hours Mr. Chaney said he would be there himself, and, again, no one was there. I called, and got a voicemail of Mr. Chaney verbally stating hrs differing from what he told us a few days previous.) Perhaps stating that you work by appointment, rather than regular office hrs,...

Ryan Chaney helped us out today. My husband and I needed some assistance as we are going through a difficult situation. Ryan was patient, compassionate, and very knowledgable. He does everything right in front of you, explaining the whole process every step of the way. He is not a pawn shop. With a pawn shop they buy low and sell high, so you don't get full value for your merchandise. With Ryan, he gives you fair value for what you bring. He is completely professional, welcoming, and understanding. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I would recommend you see him before anybody else. You...