NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Returned to Seller with “Emptied PCB”; GPU Chip and Memory Components Removed by Buyer

In recent developments, the used graphics processing unit (GPU) market has become a hotspot for scams, with a notable case involving NVIDIA’s RTX 4090 drawing significant attention.

Returned NVIDIA RTX 4090: Missing Components and Suspicious Return Process

The increasing demand for contemporary GPUs has driven many consumers to explore second-hand sales through platforms such as eBay and Craigslist. Unfortunately, this surge in demand has also led to a rise in fraudulent activities. A recent post by Reddit user piscian19 highlights a concerning incident where he sold an RTX 4090 to what was believed to be a reputable business with a feedback score of 30, 000. The attractive offer may have raised some red flags, but the seller took precautions by documenting the GPU with extensive photographs and securing insurance for the transaction—decisions that ultimately proved wise.

Ebay buyer stole my RTX 4090s GPU chip by u/piscian19 in nvidia

Shortly after the sale, the buyer initiated a return on the same day, citing a “no video”note as the reason. This raised suspicions for the seller, particularly since he had shipped the GPU in “pristine”condition. Upon the return of the unit, it was discovered that not only was the chassis marred by damage, but the mounting bracket was also bent—evidence suggesting that the buyer had disassembled the GPU immediately upon receipt. The seller promptly reported the situation to eBay, utilizing his insurance and ultimately securing a refund.

Image Credits: Reddit

Upon further investigation, the seller opened the GPU casing and was shocked to find that it lacked both the VRAM chips and GPU silicon. Although the buyer had previously appeared to be a legitimate transaction partner, the circumstances surrounding this case led to speculation among Reddit users that the eBay account may have been compromised. However, the exact reasons for this incident remain unclear.

Speculatively, it’s suggested that the missing components likely made their way to China, potentially repurposed for OEM models or enhanced variants fitted with increased VRAM for artificial intelligence applications. This alarming episode underscores the escalating threats within the second-hand GPU market. Consumers are urged to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future.

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