The high-end GPU market is experiencing a troubling trend as scammers exploit the massive demand for NVIDIA's flagship GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards. With supply chain gaps creating shortages, unscrupulous sellers are taking advantage of eager buyers by selling counterfeit or gutted versions of these premium graphics cards at seemingly attractive prices.
The Empty PCB Scam
In a particularly egregious case reported from China, a buyer spent approximately CNY 7,000 (USD $1,000) on what appeared to be a legitimate second-hand RTX 4090. The external appearance was convincing enough that the buyer had no immediate suspicions. However, upon opening the GPU, they discovered a completely hollow shell—a PCB devoid of both the GPU chip and memory modules. This shocking discovery highlights the sophisticated nature of these scams, where even the external packaging and warranty labels can be perfectly replicated to fool buyers.
Common RTX 4090 Scam Types:
- Empty PCBs with no GPU or memory modules
- Fake GPU chips with counterfeit markings
- RTX 3090 cards relabeled as RTX 4090
- Fake memory modules without manufacturer markings
Reported Scam Prices:
- Empty PCB scam: CNY 7,000 (~USD $1,000)
- Fake chip scam: CNY 3,800 (~USD $520)
- Legitimate RTX 4090 retail price: ~USD $1,600-1,800
Fake Chips and Relabeled Components
Another reported case involved a buyer who purchased what they thought was an RTX 4090 for CNY 3,800 (USD $520)—a price that should have raised red flags given the typical cost of these high-end cards. Upon inspection, the GPU chip was noticeably smaller than standard specifications, with counterfeiters having printed AD102-301 markings to mimic the authentic component. The memory modules were similarly fake, lacking proper manufacturer markings and identifiers.
The 3090-to-4090 Conversion Scam
A more recent development in these deceptive practices involves scammers taking RTX 3090 cards and modifying them to appear as RTX 4090s. Hardware experts identified these fakes after noticing inconsistencies in the capacitor layout around the GPU die. The scammers had gone as far as polishing the die and using industrial lasers to remark it as an AD102 chip (used in the 4090) rather than the GA102 found in the 3090 series.
The Broader Issue
These scams aren't isolated incidents. According to reports, fake GPU chips and memory modules are openly sold in Chinese marketplaces, with counterfeit memory modules available for as little as CNY 3 and GPU chips for around CNY 100. This creates a lucrative opportunity for scammers, with profit margins potentially reaching several thousand yuan per transaction.
Why This Is Happening
Part of this problem stems from a broader practice where legitimate RTX 4090 cards are being stripped down by modders and companies who reuse the chips to create custom cards with doubled memory. The leftover PCBs then enter the market as shells for counterfeit products.
Protecting Yourself
For consumers looking to purchase second-hand high-end GPUs, these scams serve as a stark warning. Experts recommend thoroughly testing any used GPU before completing a purchase and, if possible, opening the card in the presence of the seller to verify its components. While these scams appear to be most prevalent in China, hardware enthusiasts worldwide should remain vigilant as similar deceptive practices could emerge in any market where high-demand components command premium prices.