Scammers are now pushing fake DDR5 memory kits through major online retailers like Amazon. A user on a PC building subreddit discovered this after buying what was advertised as a Corsair Vengeance DDR5 kit. The modules physically would not fit into his motherboard, which was the first red flag.
Upon closer inspection, the notch on the connector was in the wrong position for a DDR5 stick, matching the older DDR4 standard instead. After removing the heatsink, he found an unbranded and unknown RAM module underneath. This suggests someone earlier in the supply chain swapped the real components, then resealed the packaging with inferior parts inside. This follows a pattern of similar scams involving fake graphics cards and processors that have popped up at large retailers.
Because the kit was sold and shipped directly by Amazon, the buyer received a refund. However, the incident highlights a growing issue where high-demand, expensive components like DDR5 memory are being targeted. With RAM prices currently climbing, victims who get scammed end up paying significantly more to replace the fake sticks with legitimate ones.
Upon closer inspection, the notch on the connector was in the wrong position for a DDR5 stick, matching the older DDR4 standard instead. After removing the heatsink, he found an unbranded and unknown RAM module underneath. This suggests someone earlier in the supply chain swapped the real components, then resealed the packaging with inferior parts inside. This follows a pattern of similar scams involving fake graphics cards and processors that have popped up at large retailers.
Because the kit was sold and shipped directly by Amazon, the buyer received a refund. However, the incident highlights a growing issue where high-demand, expensive components like DDR5 memory are being targeted. With RAM prices currently climbing, victims who get scammed end up paying significantly more to replace the fake sticks with legitimate ones.
