Why Is Fake Flash Memory So Dangerous?
Posted by techchips on February 11, 2010
Fake Flash Memory is false capacity memory. Flash nand memory chips have been reprogrammed to lie about their true capacity. They trick operating systems into believing they are bigger then they really are. Once you exceed the real capacity of the memory chip, you will loose data and files. There is no place on the memory chip.
Fakes are created by reprogramming the flash memory chip with special software. Certain usb flash controller chips have flaws. Fake Flash Memory sellers always seem to use the same chip sets. Products affected are usb flash drives, MPx players and memory cards. A strong indicator of a fake, is the price paid. See Global Report – eBay Fake Memory 2008 – 2009
To make sure you did not purchase a fake flash memory item, you should always test it for capacity. The best tool is H2testw. It is free. To learn more about it read: H2testw 1.4 – Gold Standard In Detecting USB Counterfeit Drives
Fake Flash Memory - Internet Watchdog 
lamster said
I recently fell victim to fake 64gb Kingston data traveller 150 on ebay.
Red/Black case and only 2gb. Ebay removed the ad and banned the seller, no biggy he’ll just set up a new account and be back selling in a few hours.
Paypal said I can have my money back if I send the item back to him with online tracking then closed it because I wouldn’t send it to him. got it reopened and they asked for proof it was fake. So I contacted Kingston and they varified the drive was fake and emailed their response. I forwarded that to paypal and guess what? No good they want me to go to PC World or such like and get a signed report on headed paper with full contact details and fax it to them. I agree with a previous post that ebay and paypal are quids in.
Now check this out http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/HOW-TO-SPOT-FAKE-KINGSTON-FLASH-DRIVES_W0QQugidZ10000000011743045
There are well over 2000 veiws of this document and when you consider that many of the people who buy large drives don’t need that capacity there are many people that have fake drives but don’t know it yet!
Price and location is a give away but not always. I have seen what look like fakes on ebay going for £80+ the give away is view sellers other items then you spot the same thing for say £15 which is a fake chances are so is the one with the large price tag. Some victims have also resorted to selling on their fake drives as faulty spares or repair. Most likely after trying to reflash and killing it altogether.BEWARE Paypal ain’t going to protect you so in short don’t buy these items from ebay unless you can afford to throw you money away. Hope this helps somebody
Gordon said
EBay need to clean up their act. Watched items for sometime assumed that fake dealers would be swiftly dealt with. More fool me of course EBay and PayPal quids in either way. I will not be back for any purchases on EBay suggest the more who take this approach the better. Shame that genuine sellers will suffer but none will have a business if EBay keep this up.
Richard said
happy-ending88 EBAY Flash Memory Seller China – Test Immediately for Advertised Capacity
http://myworld.ebay.com/happy-ending88
128 gb FAKE drives
Do not buy!
singapore.seller2009 eBay Flash Memory Seller Singapore – Test Immediately For Advertised Capacity « FakeMemorySentinel said
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