Many people read this newsletter who aren't Discount Silver Club members yet. Maybe I've convinced them that silver is a great investment, but they aren't sure if they should buy from us. I read a few precious metals forums on the web, and I'm shocked at the bad experiences people have had with some silver dealers. I'm going to explain how we do business at DSC, and why you should order from us.

We are happy to talk to you during our business hours if you have any questions about our company, or investing in silver. We return your phone calls and emails usually within the hour. The Discount Silver Club's prices and policies are updated regularly, and posted to our website. We don't have hidden fees or charges.

With DSC, you don't wait for weeks wondering where your silver is. We ship your order as soon as your check clears, usually in 48 hours. If you pay by bank wire or money order, we'll mail your silver within 24 hours. If we don't have your entire order in stock, we will let you know BEFORE you confirm. We will mail partial orders, and let you know when the rest of your silver will arrive.

At the Discount Silver Club, we really DO appreciate your business. In addition to our everyday low prices, we frequently offer sales and special offers to our customers. If you've ordered from us a few times, you've probably received a free gift in your package as well.

You may have heard that AIG, an international insurance company, is under investigation by state and federal agencies in another Wall Street scandal. Last year, it paid the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a $10 million fine to settle charges it aided Brightpoint with accounting fraud. Now, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered a grand jury investigation into insurance AIG allegedly sold Brightpoint.

Today, the $150 billion insurance giant is close to settling with the SEC again, regarding its dealings with PNC Financial Services Group, the largest bank in Pennsylvania. AIG was accused of helping PNC raise earnings by moving bad loans off their books. PNC has already paid $115 million in fines for its participation in this scheme, although it admitted no wrongdoing. With a settlement, AIG hopes to avoid DOJ criminal charges.

Eliot Spitzer, the New York Attorney General, alleged that AIG and other major insurance firms rigged bids, and referred companies to insurers that paid the highest broker commissions. This cost businesses, as well as consumers, millions of dollars in unnecessarily high premiums. Two AIG executives have already admitted to criminal collusion with managers at Marsh & McLennan, the largest insurance company in the U.S.

So, what does an insurance scandal have to do with silver? AIG bought the Drexel Burnham Lambert Trading Group in 1989, the company that invented silver and gold leasing. As I've mentioned in past newsletters, leasing has kept the price of precious metals far below its free market level. Until the end of 2003, AIG was the largest, and most active silver dealer on the COMEX. It was one of the eight large corporations that held the vast majority of short positions.

In 2004, AIG abruptly stopped participating in silver deliveries on the COMEX. Then on June 1st of this year, AIG announced it was withdrawing from its role as a market maker in gold and silver in the London Bullion Market Association. The insurance conglomerate did not explain its decision, but Ted Butler speculates that it may have reached an agreement with Spitzer, or simply fears the explosive potential of silver. Companies don't want to be short silver when the price skyrockets.

AIG's departure from the silver market means the price suppression scheme will end more quickly. That's good news. On the other hand, you have less time to take advantage of these very low prices. Silver reached $7.64 today, and it could breach the $8 mark at any time. This is your chance to be one of the smart investors who bought a hard asset for a fraction of its real worth.