Fraudulently Acquired RTX 5090 Selling for $2,000 Lacks Essential GPU Component - Criminals Strip Chip and Memory Directly from Circuit Board
GPU Scams Thrive: the Fake RTX 5090 Problem
Nvidia's top-tier RTX 5090 cards are being targeted by scammers who strip the GPU core and VRAM memory for their own gain, as revealed by the latest incident documented by Northwestrepair on YouTube. This isn't the first time RTX series GPUs have been involved in scams, but this new method is a disturbing twist, catching even savvy buyers off guard.
A customer bought a Zotac RTX 5090 for just $2,000, which is the card's MSRP, but in today's market, RTX 5090s typically sell for $3,000 or more. The unfortunate owner found out the hard way that anything priced too good to be true usually is—scammers are aware that buyers will be eager to grab an RTX 5090 at the original price.
Upon closer inspection, Northwestrepair found that the Zotac RTX 5090 was missing crucial components: the GPU core and VRAM modules. Leaving behind a healthy PCB, the RTX scammers made away with the valuable hardware, demonstrating a new level of creativity in stripping down these coveted GPUs.
A Darker Side to GPU Scams
In the past, RTX series GPU scams often involved replacing the cards with items like macaroni, rice, or even backpacks. However, removing essential components such as the GPU core and VRAM is a new low, as thiscard operates like a paperweight without these key parts.
Nvidia's RTX series has been plagued by scams, particularly with models like the RTX 4090. Scammers have offered modified cards with previous-gen RTX 3090 or even RTX 3080 Ti dies, or provided cards without functional GPU dies or VRAM.
Protecting Yourself from GPU Scams
With high demand and limited supply driving up prices for top-tier graphics cards, GPU scams are becoming increasingly common. To avoid falling victim to modified RTX 5090 scams, be cautious and follow these guidelines:
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Stick to authorized retailers, Nvidia partners, or well-established e-commerce platforms.
- Verify the Product: Examine the card's physical features, including markings and packaging, for authenticity.
- Check Serial Numbers: Confirm the serial number directly on Nvidia’s website or through customer support.
- Beware of Unusually Low Prices: Be wary of discounted RTX 5090s; if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Use payment options that offer fraud protection, such as credit cards.
- Check Seller Reviews: Look at the seller's feedback ratings and reviews to gauge their credibility.
- Be Wary of "Too Good to Be True" Deals: High demand GPUs can be targets for early availability scams or heavily discounted offers.
In today's market, it's essential to stay vigilant and thoroughly assess any deals that seem too good to be true. Don't become a victim of the latest GPU scam—protect yourself by following these precautions!
Artificial intelligence could potentially be harnessed to predict and identify patterns in the rise of GPU scams, providing a safeguard for buyers against fraudulent activities.
The advancement of technology, particularly artificial-intelligence, offers promising solutions to combat the issue of GPU scams, ensuring a fair marketplace for consumers.
