Counterfeit scandisk 8GB CF EXTREME III Memory Cards have been detected on eBay. The Fraud by eBay seller, bazaarus has been reported to scandisk. RickThePhotoGuy led an investigation after having been sold a fake. Proceeding with caution, he contacted other members who bought the same card to verify if the memory card was truly a fake. Close to 30 eBayers responded, confirming they had received a fake.
Can you tell the fake from the genuine card?
RickThePhotoGuy has documented the counterfeit memory card in detail to help you spot it.
RickThePhotoGuy:
I contacted SanDisk – they asked for photos, which I provided. These enabled SanDisk to verify the cards are fake. No serial numbers, fake decal, wrong metal plate, bad logo. Sandisk provided a case ID number.
Here is the comparision of the Genuine “SanDisk 8GB CF EXTREME III Memory Card CompactFlash ” to the fake one currently being sold on eBay.
How to tell a counterfeit Sandisk Extreme III fake from a real card.
1. Serial Number
The fake is on the left. The real one is on the right.
2.Card Back
The fake is on the left. The real one is on the right.
3.Card Front
The fake is on the left. The real one is on the right.
Let’s review the clues to help you spot the fake card using the the card front. You can generally spot in a retail store as you can inspect the packaging and turn it about to check for a serial number. If you buy on the internet it is not so obvious.
The photo presented to you could be a picture of a genuine card! Take for example, the picture used by bazaarus to sell on ebay. In the case of this seller, it is a little more confusing. The photo doesn’t resemble either the genuine card or the fake!
This can make things difficult when verifying with a manufacturer’s site. Sellers often do not use the actual photo but rummage for a “stock” photo from some where.
If you have problems with your SanDisk 8GB CF EXTREME III Memory Card CompactFlash, do the following comparison.
If you have purchased a scandisk 8GB CF EXTREME III Memory Card CompactFlash, that matches the fake RickThePhotoGuy has documented and that doesn’t hold the advertised capacity, please report to sandisk immediately!
You can see RickThePhotoGuy’s images also at http://flickr.com/search/?q=counterfeit+sandisk
What does RickThePhotoGuy have to say about his experience of buying fake flash from ebay seller -bazaarus?
PayPal found in my favor on the counterfeit complaint and provided a refund. I was credited in full for the item plus shipping. However, the seller then started the procedure for a non-paying bidder complaint! I hope he actually finishes and files it. I can prove payment, so he’ll get hailed for auction fraud. I hope. Like eBay would ever do anything to hurt their bottom line.
According to SOSFakeFlash, when PayPal refunds a buyer of fake flash, eBay sellers often use this tactic against the eBay member. Not nice. Since sellers are no longer able to retaliate with negative feedback against a buyer, they are finding other ways to be spiteful and shamefully attempt to reclaim their listing fees. Unfortunately this sours the “buying experience” of the eBay member even further. Younger eBay members either close their eBay accounts or go dormant no longer bidding or buying. Older members are annoyed and ready to step into the boxing ring for another round with the fake flash seller.
To see more counterfeit memory drives, visit http://flickr.com/search type in counterfeit and the brand name of your memory card.
For example: counterfeit sandisk or fake sandisk
You will find information at this site with photos documenting fake flash.
Update April 4th, 2009 – Visit these sites for additional information:
- New! Flash Drive Education. Fakes and Counterfeits http://flashdrivefacts.wordpress.com/
- Warnings To Test Fake Flash Sellers http://fakememorysentinel.wordpress.com/
- Documented Fake Flash Sellers. Help. Main site: http://sosfakeflash.wordpress.com/
- Known Solutions For Repairing Flash Usb Devices. http://fixfakeflash.wordpress.com/
Fake Flash News - Internet & eBay Fraud 
napanee
March 30, 2010
Recently purchased two SanDisk Extreme IV cards from 2kelectroniks. These came in a box with all the right stuff. However after examination and using the guide at http://reviews.ebay.com/FAKE-SanDisk-Extreme-Compact-Flash-Cards-Exposed_W0QQugidZ10000000001456539 I determined that they were fake counterfeits. I called SanDisk support and they verified that the serial number wasn’t genuine. I notified the seller (who is still selling) and got a complete refund. I will never buy memory cards form Ebay again. Ebay does nothing to prevent this type of action.
Frank Ooms
November 12, 2009
You are incredibly thorough and thank you for your insight. I’ve decided to just buy from a legitimate retail source because I don’t believe you can substantiate buying the real thing off eBay. The deals appear great, but the only way to verify if it’s legitimate is after receiving it. If it’s not, you’ll be caught up in the bureaucracy of eBay and the seller. It’s just not worth the time!
rational
January 4, 2009
Here is the best utility to use to check your flash memory chips to ensure they aren’t fake.
This utility is the absolute best I’ve found and it’s free!
It’s called: H2testw
It will also check the write and read speed of the flash cards to see if they meet the class 6 minimums, etc.