Imagine spending over $2,000 on a GeForce RTX 5090, only to open the package and find an empty GPU. Unfortunately, this is becoming a reality for some buyers, and here’s how you can avoid falling victim to this growing scam.
The demand for powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) has skyrocketed recently, partly due to AI engineers seeking high-performance computing. 
However, scammers have taken advantage of this situation by selling ’emptied-out’ GPUs. These GPUs are repackaged with missing components, such as the VRAM and the main GPU chip. This fraudulent tactic has led many consumers to believe they are buying a fully functional RTX 5090, only to discover their purchase is a worthless shell.
One of the most notable cases involved a user who bought a GeForce RTX 5090 for $2,000, expecting to receive a high-end unit. However, when the consumer opened the box, they found the PCB (printed circuit board) was completely empty. The crucial parts-like the GDDR7 memory modules and the GPU chip-were removed. Unfortunately, the user had no idea that they were scammed, and assumed the issue was a service fault. They sent the unit to a repair shop, where NorthwestRepair uncovered the truth.
In fact, the scam has become more sophisticated. Many of these counterfeit GPUs feature damaged screws on the backplate, making it nearly impossible for consumers to open the GPU and inspect its contents. NorthwestRepair advises against opening such units, as it could cause damage to the already fragile PCB.
So, how can you avoid falling for this scam? First, it’s important to know that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
. A GeForce RTX 5090 sold for $1,999 is suspiciously low-unless, of course, you’re buying it from the US Navy. Be sure to purchase GPUs from trusted, authorized retailers or well-known physical stores. Platforms like eBay and Craigslist should only be used as a last resort.
While buying high-end GPUs in today’s market is an expensive investment, it’s much safer to spend a little more for peace of mind. Don’t be swayed by attractive prices or listings that look too good to be true-it’s always better to be cautious than to end up with an empty GPU.