7 Warning Signs of RTX 5090 Scams on Best Buy Marketplace

Beware of Deceptive Practices When Buying an RTX 5090

The Nvidia RTX 5090 is a highly sought-after graphics card, making it a prime target for scammers. Best Buy Marketplace, like many online platforms, can be a venue for fraudulent activities. It's crucial to be aware of the red flags that indicate a potential scam.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

• ✓ **Resealed Open-Box Tech:** Scammers may relabel a used or tampered RTX 5090 as new. Look for signs of opened packaging, missing seals, or signs of previous use on the card itself, such as scratches or fingerprints. Some reports detail instances where the core GPU chip and VRAM were removed from the card, leaving a hollow shell, or where a lower-tier GPU was swapped into the casing.
• ✓ **Fake Listings / Bait-and-Switch:** Be wary of listings with prices significantly below MSRP, especially if the seller has a strong but recently acquired positive reputation. Some scams involve selling a picture of the RTX 5090 instead of the actual product. In other cases, buyers have received entirely different, low-value items like fanny packs or bags of rocks instead of the high-value GPU, even when ordering from seemingly reputable sellers or using fulfillment programs.
• ✓ **Non-Authorized Seller Scam:** Purchasing from unofficial or unverified sellers increases the risk of encountering counterfeit products or experiencing warranty issues. Always try to buy directly from official retailers or sellers with a long and verifiable history.
• ✓ **International Model Warranty Issues:** Some manufacturers may not honor warranties for products purchased in one region when a claim is made in another. If an RTX 5090 is advertised with an 'international model' warranty, investigate thoroughly to ensure it will be valid in your location, as some users have reported warranty claims being denied when moving to a different country.
• ✓ **Counterfeit Peripheral Bait:** While less common for a high-value item like the RTX 5090 itself, be cautious if a listing includes bundled 'accessories' that seem too good to be true or are from unknown brands. These could be used to lure buyers into a fraudulent transaction.
• ✓ **Fake Order Cancellation Phish:** Scammers might contact you claiming there's an issue with your order and ask you to cancel and re-order, or to provide personal information to 'verify' your order. This is a tactic to steal your information or manipulate you into a fraudulent purchase.
• ✓ **Delayed Shipping Extortion:** Some sellers might delay shipping significantly and then demand additional payment to expedite it, or use the delay as a pretext to claim the item was lost and offer a partial refund for a 'used' item.

Protecting Your Purchase

To mitigate the risks associated with purchasing high-value electronics, consider using secure payment and verification services. For transactions involving an item as significant as the Nvidia RTX 5090, we strongly recommend utilizing the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan. This plan offers enhanced identity verification for both buyer and seller, adding a crucial layer of security to your peer-to-peer transactions.

• ✓ Verify seller reputation and look for consistent, positive reviews.
• ✓ Be suspicious of prices significantly below market value.
• ✓ Examine product photos carefully for inconsistencies or signs of tampering.
• ✓ When possible, opt for sellers who offer clear return policies and buyer protection.
• ✓ Consider using a trusted third-party service for identity verification during P2P trades.