Summary: A new scam has emerged in the second-hand market, targeting customers looking to buy the flagship GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card from NVIDIA. Reports from HKEPC reveal that counterfeit versions of the highly sought-after graphics card have surfaced, leaving unsuspecting buyers out of pocket.
Counterfeiters have gone to great lengths to mimic the appearance of the genuine GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards. Using original photos showcasing the card’s RGB lights and overall design, scammers have managed to deceive potential buyers. However, once the counterfeit graphics card is received, it becomes evident that it is a fake.
Buyers have reported various issues with the counterfeit cards, such as non-functioning fans and, most notably, the absence of the AD102 GPU, the core component that powers the GeForce RTX 4090. This discovery leaves buyers with an expensive purchase that is unusable and devoid of any resale value.
Unfortunately, law enforcement authorities have shown little interest in pursuing these cases, leaving victims without recourse for recovering their money. In an effort to prevent further fraud, HKEPC emphasizes the importance of being cautious when shopping for expensive items, particularly on the second-hand market.
It is speculated that the culprits behind this scam are disassembling the counterfeit graphics cards to salvage the valuable components, such as the AD102 GPU and GDDR6X memory modules. These spare parts are then likely being repurposed for AI cards used in Chinese AI farms.
For individuals in China, where the GeForce RTX 4090 is banned, acquiring genuine graphics cards will become more challenging. However, alternative options like the GeForce RTX 4090D and RTX 4080 SUPER, which are expected to launch soon, will provide users with the assurance of purchasing graphics cards equipped with genuine GPUs.
In conclusion, consumers must exercise caution when purchasing high-end products on the second-hand market to avoid falling victim to scams.