The Secret Service has opened an investigation into the Tulving Co., an Orange County precious-metals coin dealer under fire for allegedly taking customers’ money but failing to fulfill their orders.

Agency spokesman Max Milien confirmed the probe Tuesday but would not provide specifics, citing an ongoing investigation. In addition to providing security to current and former U.S. leaders and their families, the Secret Service also looks into financial crimes, from major fraud to counterfeit currency.

Meanwhile, the Tulving Co., which many in the industry called a major player, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Costa Mesa-based business reportedly owes $1 million to $10 million to as many as 49 creditors, according to a bankruptcy document filed last month.

Hundreds of clients across the country so far have reported getting nothing in return after spending thousands to more than $100,000 for precious-metal coins from Tulving. Lawsuits have pegged the value of outstanding orders at $5 million to $14 million.

Customers have contacted the Register, Better Business Bureau and several government agencies about their inability to locate company owner, Hannes Tulving Jr., or his staff about outstanding orders. Tulving has not responded to several requests for an interview.

Complaints have been mounting since last summer, resulting in lawsuits and at least two government investigations.

Chuck Marshall of Walnut Creek is among the lawyers who have been contacted by the Secret Service regarding the whereabouts of Tulving.

Marshall, who is representing some of Tulving’s customers, said the federal agency was trying to find Tulving to serve him a grand jury subpoena.

The California Department of Business Oversight is leading the other investigation. The state agency would neither confirm nor deny the existence of a case, but a disgruntled Tulving client told the Register he had been contacted by the state agency.

More than 20 years ago, the Federal Trade Commission accused Tulving of overpricing rare coins and going back on return guarantees through another company, Hannes Tulving Rare Coin Investments, which was based in Newport Beach.

Authorities said the business defrauded clients out of more than $40 million. Tulving settled with the FTC in 1992 and agreed to pay $1.3 million.

Contact the writer: lleung@ocregister.com