Gold is near an all-time high. Here's how to sell it without getting scammed.

Investors seeking refuge from inflation are again embracing gold, as often happens when the stock market turns stormy. But with  prices of the shiny metal now near an all-time high, some people may be tempted to sell and lock in a profit.

The spot price for gold is about $1,958 an ounce, according to financial data provider FactSet. That's about 11% higher than a year ago and 62% higher than five years ago. 

Buying gold might be the easiest part of investing in the metal — after all, buyers can purchase 1-ounce bars from the likes of Costco or through a number of online gold sellers. Others may end up with gold through inheritance, with coins, bars or jewelry passed on by relatives.