Buying Silver--know your coin shops

When purchasing precious metals today the playing field can get tougher when going outside the mainstream of merchants. Many local shops keep a reputation but know that china is perfecting some tungsten coins to a degree. I have never heard of proof coins being faked though. Wouldn`t count that out though. The same goes when searching online with less known online retailers. I am hearing Alibaba is importing stuff from China so as a precaution use your best sense. Several folks have been arrested for fake gold american eagles, tungsten inside. Aparently the weight and diameter and thickness passed the test. So beware.