A buyer in Spain reported receiving a memory kit ADATA DDR5 sold by Amazon with counterfeit content, revealing a sophisticated fraud that affects high-value components sold as new in large online retailers. The case was reported by the VideoCardz website following a reader report and involves a 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 ADATA XPG Caster kit.
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Discovery during PC assembly
The consumer, identified as BravoNorris, ordered four identical kits from Amazon Spain, all shipped from Ireland. Three units arrived first and the fourth a few days later. One kit was resold still sealed, another was installed and worked normally. The problem was only discovered when the third box was opened during a new PC build.
Despite having sealed plastic and apparently intact on the outside, the packaging contained two much older memory modules, from the DDR or DDR2 generations, with printed stickers applied to look like DDR5. Next to the counterfeit modules was a thin metal plate that was apparently included to replicate the expected weight of a genuine kit.
The victim reported that the stickers could easily fool a buyer less familiar with hardware components, although on closer inspection the print quality of the box appears questionable. The fourth kit was kept closed to allow a direct comparison between legitimate and compromised packaging.
Return fraud scheme
Based on the condition of the packaging and the mixed result between multiple boxes from the same order, the most likely explanation is return fraud. In this scheme, a previous customer changed the contents, resealed the box and returned the product, which was later resold as new on the platform.
Cases like this are not unprecedented, but the tendency is for them to become more frequent given the current state of the memory market. The addition of the metal plate suggests a deliberate attempt to deceive whoever processed the return on Amazon by adding weight to the box, in addition to deceiving the final recipient, who would not suspect anything when handling the package.
ADATA positioning and market context
ADATA has already spoken out about the incident, advising customers to purchase memory products only from authorized retail partners rather than unknown third-party sellers on the marketplace. The company also pointed to its online verification portal and said it will step up consumer education on genuine packaging and security features.
The rise in hardware fraud is directly linked to the current economic climate in the technology industry. With artificial intelligence-related demand consuming the global supply of DRAM and NAND flash memories, prices for DDR5 and SSDs have risen significantly, making high-performance memories lucrative targets for organized scammers.
According to the buyer, a return request has already been filed with Amazon, although it is unclear whether a refund has been or will be granted. While recording an unboxing video can help document a product’s condition, such evidence does not guarantee resolution of disputes with retailers or payment providers.
How to protect yourself against blows
Given the increase in this type of fraud, experts recommend that consumers adopt preventive measures when purchasing hardware components online. These simple precautions can make the difference between receiving a genuine product or falling for an elaborate scam that could cost hundreds of dollars.
- Grave o unboxing: Make a continuous, uncut video of the package opening process. This footage serves as essential evidence should a refund dispute arise with the retailer or payment provider.
- Physically inspect the modules: Check the module notch, as DDR5 has a specific alignment that differs from previous generations like DDR4 and DDR2. The difference is visible and easily identifiable.
- Check serial numbers: Use manufacturers’ websites to verify that the serial numbers on the modules match those on the retail box. This validation can confirm the authenticity of the product before installation.
Fonte: videocardz
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Source: https://www.adrenaline.com.br/hardware/comprador-recebe-ddr2-no-lugar-de-ddr5-em-golpe-na-amazon-com-lacre-falso/
