The prevalence of fraudulent activity is surging as the global RAM market grapples with persistent supply constraints.
As DDR5 memory modules become increasingly scarce and expensive, hardware-related scams are surfacing with alarming frequency. Recently, a Reddit user shared a cautionary tale regarding a 32GB (2x16GB) Corsair DDR5 kit ordered from Amazon for a secondary PC build. Upon arrival, the customer discovered that the premium modules had been swapped for older Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 sticks.
The deception was remarkably low-effort: the perpetrator didn’t even attempt to disguise the hardware with modern heat spreaders, simply placing the DDR4 components inside the DDR5 retail packaging. While it is unclear if the box was tampered with before reaching the customer, similar incidents have been reported even with items that appeared to be factory-sealed.
Although Amazon generally facilitates returns and replacements for such fraudulent orders, the victims are still left at a disadvantage. Memory prices are escalating almost daily due to a global shortage, largely fueled by the massive industry shift toward high-bandwidth chips for artificial intelligence applications.
Source: iXBT.games