Summary: A Hong Kong-based PC enthusiast recently fell victim to a scam when he purchased a used MSI GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card from an online marketplace. The buyer, known as Mr. Hong, discovered that the card was missing its GPU and several VRAM chips after installation. Despite reporting the incident to the local police, Mr. Hong has been unable to recover his money or find any form of justice. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder to be vigilant when buying second-hand items, especially in online marketplaces with limited buyer/seller protections.
In a case that highlights the risks associated with online transactions, Mr. Hong thought he had taken precautions by meeting the seller in person to inspect the product before making the purchase. However, it turned out that the GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card he received was essentially a shell, devoid of crucial components. The card’s ARGB lighting may have initially provided a semblance of authenticity, but it was soon evident that the fans were not working and no graphical output was possible.
After discovering the deception, Mr. Hong sought the assistance of a local repairer who confirmed the missing GPU and VRAM chips. Unfortunately, his attempts to contact the seller proved fruitless, and with no way to pursue the case further, he has been left without recourse.
This incident serves as a warning not only to those in Hong Kong but to online shoppers worldwide. It demonstrates that even when purchasing from reputable sellers, there is always a risk of ending up with a fake or misrepresented product. It is essential for buyers to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and take necessary precautions when engaging in any online transaction.
Similar instances of fraudulent sales have been reported in the past, such as the case of a buyer receiving metal blocks instead of a Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card purchased from Newegg. Additionally, scams involving AMD Radeon RX 7000 series GPU purchases have persistently plagued the popular online marketplace, Amazon.
Therefore, it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence when making purchases, regardless of the platform. Taking additional measures like recording the receipt of parcels and carefully inspecting products upon arrival can provide useful evidence if a dispute arises. In the rapidly evolving world of online shopping, caution should be exercised at all times to avoid falling victim to scams and fraudulent practices.
The source of the article is from the blog aovotice.cz