Global Report – eBay Fake Memory 2008 – 2009

December 2009, SOSFakeFlash has 72 countries where members have been frauded with false capacity flash memory items purchased on eBay. This report covers 2008 through 2009 and five continents are affected.

Can eBay Stop The Sale Of Fake And Counterfeit Memory? A Frauded Buyers Simple Insight To Solving The Problem For Fraudulent eBay Listings.

Why does eBay allow listings for fake memory cards, usb flash drives and mp players? Every year buyers around the world receive false capacity flash memory items. Is there a simple solution to put a stop to it? A buyer thinks so. His solution is amazingly simple. Will eBay do it?

Some facts about the fraud for flash memory on eBay:

The recent Q2 report from SOSFakeFlash reveals 80 eBay member countries affected:

Scam Report eBay Fake Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives, MP Players – SOSFakeFlash Q2 2011. Did You Buy On eBay?

The problem now in it’s ninth year on eBay.

eBay Flash Memory Fraud Continues. 8 Years later, eBay Continues Cover Up For Fraudulent Asian Sellers. 8GB 16GB 32GB 64GB 128GB 256GB Advertised Capacity = 4GB Real Capacity Or Less

What percentage of eBay listings are for fakes?

SOSFakeFlash – eBay Fraud Flash Memory Upgraded Digitally Altered Capacity. Status Report November 2010. Best eBay Prices For USB Pen sticks, Memory Cards, MP Players. Warning – 95% Of eBay Listings Are For Fake Memory.

A recent eBay victim, renamed ClearFlash revealed his personal insights to SOSFakeFlash based on his own experience of being frauded. Here is what he had to say about his seller(s) and the issue on eBay. It is interesting:

a) Even if a lot of buyers complained, ebay still doesn’t shut down this seller.

b) All together: since ebay doesn’t shut down this seller, the overall result for this fraudulent seller and ebay and paypal still may be positive: First only a maximum 20% notice within 45 days that this USB flash drive is faked / manipulated. Most let a positive feedback. 80% pay, ebay gets its fees and paypal and the seller too.

c) It would be necessary to file a case against ebay and paypal because of supporting fraud _in_not_warning_buyers_ of USB-sticks and memory cards after this since years ongoing frauds to first of all test them with h2testw before leaving a feedback. There are a lot of examples, where ebay warns sellers / buyers in case of problematic items (weapons, autographs, alcohol, tobacco, hard disk drives, drugs and so on).

It should be simple to implement an automatic messaging system or pop up window in case somebody bids or wins a auction in relation with an usb-memory-device that first of all he/she should test it seriously before leaving a feedback. This automated message should contain a link to a place where h2testw can easily be downloaded for free. To test a 256 GB device it takes hours and hours until the test is finished. This should be mentioned. Most buyers just copy “for test” a comparatively small file to the flash drive – and this works of course.

Furthermore ebay should be obliged to email all buyers of such devices as soon as the first fraud was detected, that all buyers till then are strongly advised to test their sticks bought from the same seller. The data-loss is the greatest loss, not the 30 € or so.

Both cases where settled from paypal and I will get my money back – but it took me such an amount of time not only to report the case to ebay and paypal but also to warn other buyers and answer their questions (I can supply a lot of examples) what they should do now that all together it would have been cheaper for me just to do nothing and waste no more time on thinking about the lost money.

About

A) eBay not shutting a seller down

Some times they do, if there are enough complaints but mostly they do not. It depends a lot in which eBay country the seller is located.

B) Buyers not noticing in the 45 day claim window

This is also true, part of the problem is buyers do not test properly, instead they take the quick route and verify what the operating system reports. The operating system often fooled reports the advertised capacity and as a result buyers leave positive feedback. Positive feedback can not be rescinded or taken back. So yes, eBay, Paypal get to keep most of the fees they charge and the seller his sales.

C) Filing a dispute for fake memory items

According to FrankenFlash project sites, filing a dispute is a problem for a lot of buyers, most have never needed to file one before. That is, until they bought fake flash memory products. Originally frauded buyers had to file with PayPal but now with eBay. eBay has put up even more road blocks to filing then PayPal ever did. It takes a very determined person to file a dispute.

So could eBay fix the problem, well as ClearFlash pointed out:

There are a lot of examples, where ebay warns sellers / buyers in case of problematic items (weapons, autographs, alcohol, tobacco, hard disk drives, drugs and so on).

So eBay already does this for some item categories.

Is it simple to implement an automatic messaging system pop window if somebody bids and buys usb flash drives, memory cards or MP Players on eBay?

Yes, any web programmer will tell you it is possible and not difficult. Since they already do it for other categories, they already have a blueprint on how to program it.

But there is one thing….

If you were buying these items on eBay what would your reaction be to receiving a warning pop up informing you to be sure to test the flash memory capacity upon arrival?

Given the accumulated evidence reported by FrankenFlash project sites and others in the internet about 95% of eBay listings in these categories are for fakes and counterfeits, what would happen to all the sales, the fees, the money these listings generate for eBay, PayPal and seller?

Sure the pop up warnings would educate buyers in a hurry and it would easily clean up the fraudulent listings. It would even allow the real sellers of true capacity flash memory to be seen, once the fraudulent ones were removed. Honest flash memory sellers on eBay are frustrated and having trouble staying in business, too much competition from the fakes.

Yes eBay should be obliged to send out automatic warning messages to all buyers when a fake flash memory seller is caught. Sometimes they do, but mostly they do not. If they do send a warning message it is almost always for an eBay seller registered in Asia. eBay is cautious, it is safer to go after fraudulent sellers in Asia as the sellers are unable to complain back.

So the answer to the original question:

Can eBay Stop The Sale Of Fake And Counterfeit Memory?

YES!

It means eBay listings for mp players, memory cards and usb flash drives are going to shrink down to 5% of what they are now.

Do you think eBay can live with that?

It means honest sellers will start to do well and have a decent income selling flash memory on eBay. It means brand name manufacturers will not have to continue threatening eBay with legal action. It means less people who buy flash memory will lose their important information. They might even make eBay the regular purchase source for flash memory products.

The easiest and most cost effective way for eBay to reduce and stop the sale of fake flash memory is by introducing the pop up windows. They do it for other product categories sold on eBay. So why don’t they really live up to the “Buyer Protection” they promote and do the same thing here?

Is it the easy money?

An eBay Buyer’s Personal Story On Buying A Fake Counterfeit MP Player On eBay, LukeDoctorFlash.

An eBay Member LukeDoctorFlash recently wrote to SOSFakeFlash to share his experience on Buying a fake capacity MP Player on eBay.

Dear Sosfakeflash,

I would like to share my experience with a counterfeit MP3 reader.

I ordered it on Ebay, as follows:

Item number: XXXXXXXXXX (confidential)
Ebay seller id: hubert4605
My id: (confidential)

Output from H2testw 1.4:

The media is likely to be defective.
1.8 GByte OK (3930025 sectors)
2.0 GByte DATA LOST (12783703 sectors)
Details:2.0 GByte overwritten (12783616 sectors)
0 KByte slightly changed (< 8 bit/sector, 0 sectors)
43.5 KByte corrupted (87 sectors)
1 MByte aliased memory (2048 sectors)
First error at offset: 0x0000000007f43028
Expected: 0x882cfb879888e1f1
Found: 0x882cfb879880e1f1
Writing speed: 1.65 MByte/s
Reading speed: 2.0 MByte/s
H2testw v1.4

Item description: 1.8″ LCD Shakable MP3 MP4 FM 4th Gen Player 4GB w/Ebook

Seller address:

Name:Yan Zou
First name: Yan
last name: Zou
street: Room 307,
DingXin Building (W), XiLi
Towncity: Shenzhen
province: Guangdong
country: China
zip code: 518000
phone number: +86 159 1417 1281

Seller email: ghubert0240@att.net

Seller name: Gary HUBERT

I have received the item directly from Germany, from mr. Hubert, the shipping back address was in any case in China.

I opened a file on Paypal and received an answer to ship the item back with registered mail. Since from Italy this is very expansive (about 8 EUR), I called Paypal explaining my problem and got the authorisation to ship back the item by standard, non registered mail (4 EUR), since the value of the item was less than 25 EUR.

I did that and put on Paypal “Priority mail” in the registration number field.

After a couple of days, I got a full refund from Paypal!.

By the way, I was able to fix the reader partitioning the memory to 2 GB. To do that, I used the “Windows Enabler” utility, that even with a removable disk, allows to delete the original 4GB partition and to create a smaller, safe 2 GB partition.

I hope my experience is useful for other fake MP3 reader buyers.

Best regards

LukeDoctorFlash

Additional Reading:

MP Players On Ebay – Current Prices For Cheap Fake 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32 GB SOSFakeFlash’s Report

Fixing Fake Memory:

FixFakeFlash

Repairing Counterfeit Fake MP Players

Those Fake USB Leather Pen Thumb Memory Flash Stick Drives Being Sold On eBay “Made In Japan”. The Fraud Does Not Stop. It Is The Oldest Documented Fake Pen Stick Sold On eBay. Over 1000 Buyers For Just One eBay Seller This Time Registered In France. Lowest Price For 256GB? Only $24.99 AU

Most “USB Leather Pen Thumb Memory Flash Stick Drives” sold on eBay these days originate with eBay sellers in Singapore. They are also sold by many small eBay sellers in the United States.

Recently FlashDriveFacts published this report and recommendation:

Changing Trends In The Sale Of Fake Memory On eBay For USB Flash Drives, Memory Cards And MP Players. SOSFakeFlash Advises Do Not Buy From eBay Sellers With Low FeedBack Scores. Avoid Sellers with Scores Under 300+ To Protect Yourself From Potential Fraud. Learn Why.

The information comes two sites most actively engaged in exposing eBay flash memory fraud. It is hard to keep up with their alerts and warning to protect buyers. Is it doing any good?

Safe2Star Addressing And Background Information On Fraudulent eBay Flash Memory Seller – The New Don Of eBay Fake Flash Memory In The Orient.

Safe2Star currently holds the record for frauding eBay members. This power seller has surpassed 3ToTrade – Don Of Fake USB Flash Drives In The Orient and according to SOSFakeFlash is now the new Don Of fake memory items being sold on eBay. This power seller is very skilled in deception and is able to avoid eBay. Safe2Star has frauded for over 20 months. This id uses the might of a feedback score of over 50,000+

In interviewing KittyFireFlash at SOSFakeFlash, it was revealed that eBay is afraid of this id. They don’t know why. They sent us amazing detailed information Safe2Star. Negative feedback is starting to increase for Safe2Star and they report the seller is preparing for a hibernation.

Sections:

1. Mailing addresses on file for Safe2Star at SOSFakeFlash
2. Email address
3. eBay Counterfeit Ring Association
4. eBay Seller Id’s in counterfeit rings with Safe2Star
5. Internet Articles On Safe2Star
6. Checking Safe2Star current negative feedback score
7. Recent Articles On Fighting eBay Flash Memory Fraud

Kingston Technologies Offers Help To eBay Victims Frauded With Counterfeit Flash Memory

One of the most difficult problems facing eBay members purchasing fake flash memory is proving the item(s) are false capacity and if branded – Counterfeit. If a buyer claims the item is counterfeit, eBay frequently demands the buyer prove it. SOSFakeFlash received an interesting story from one buyer and how Kingston Technologies was willing to help out. His story is documented here.

Why Buyers Are Frauded For Kingston DT200 USB Flash Drives Advertised In 32 GB 128 GB 256 GB Capacity? The Sad Story On eBay Flash Memory.

In the winter of 2010, fake Kingston DT200 usb flash drives began appearing on eBay. The number of listings grew and peaked in April 2010. A new site was created to combat the number of listings, FakeFlashSentinel also known as ” Fake Flash Memory – Internet Watchdog”. Instead of individual listings, the “Buy Now” listing offering hundreds of item units appeared on eBay.

Is eBay Removing Your Negative And Neutral Feedback For A Seller Who Sells Fake MP3 MP4 MP5 Players, USB Flash Drives or Memory Cards?

Recently SOSFakeFlash has received reports from eBay members who left negative and neutral feed back for a seller of fake and false capacity flash memory, that their feedback disappeared! Is this true?

2009yanzi eBay Seller Suspended Sold 256 GB, 128GB Fake USB Flash Drives – Sony Viao And Kingston Datatraveler. 8GB MP3 MP4 Players. Multiple Item Listing Information Available.

2009yanzi sold fake memory on eBay. eBay listing information for 2009yanzi has been removed from the internet. eBay ‘disappearing’ continues. Recently suspended, buyers are now unable to consult listings they purchased from 2009yanzi as they have been erased on eBay. The prices will amaze you for the flash memory.

A frequent question many people ask is “How can people actually bid and buy given the low prices offered by fraudulent eBay sellers in Asia”? The FrankenFlash project has been searching for an answer to this question for almost three years.

How many victims were frauded by 2009yanzi on July 31 2010?

greathkseller 8GB eBay Seller Hacked MP Players US $18.87 For 2GB Real Capacity Advertised As 8GB!

greathkseller eBay Hong Kong seller has a long history of fraud. Currently more than 100 units of fake 8GB are being sold per hour! Price?

dogoyong eBay Seller 2500+ Fake 8GB MP3 MP4 Players Sold On In Only Two Days. Real Capacity Less Than 2GB. eBay Top Seller Rating. Was It Given For Ranking High In Fraud?

dogoyong is raking in the cash for false capacity MP Players on eBay. Over 2500 units have been sold in two days with multiple item listings!

eBay Suspended Sellers – Fake Memory July 2010. SOSFakeFlash Report. 162 Sellers Of MP Players, Memory Cards And USB Flash Drives.

Fake memory products are a serious problem on eBay. Most mp players, usb flash drives and memory cards are not the capacity advertised. They are known as “Fakes”. Flash memory chips have been reprogrammed to lie about their true size. eBay members continue to buy from sellers who offer unrealistic prices and fake capacity.

When people discover the truth, many chose to fight back against the sellers and the fraud. How successful are they? SOSFakeFlash just updated the databases, another 162 sellers have been put out of business.

How Are People Fighting Against Fake Memory MP Players, USB Flash Drives And Memory Cards? eBay And The Internet.

eBay Refunds. Warning Messages Not To Complete Transactions. Fake Memory Fraud 8GB 16GB 32GB 64GB 128GB 256GB On eBay. SOSFakeFlash Call To Action Frauded Buyers

Is your eBay seller listed below?

Did You Buy From zhouxun_gunha198305 eBay Fake Memory Seller? USB Flash Drive 256GB Or MP Player?

zhouxun_gunha198305 fake flash memory seller has been suspended on eBay. You will no longer be able to access your won list to inspect your fake usb flash drive or mp player.

Courtesy of FakeMemorySentinel here are some of the buy now listings zhouxun_gunha198305 offered:

Protected: Update Summer 2010

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

tpyboc DT200 Kingston Fraud $24 For 64 GB or 128 GB. Over 1200 eBay Members Frauded In Only 3 Days!

tpyboc frauded 1200 eBay members in only three days selling fake counterfeit DT200 Kingston usb flash drives sold at less then $24 US.

This seller id, is only one in a long list to unleash a plague of counterfeit Kingston USB Flash drives on eBay in the last five months. The escalation is increasing. The FrankenFlash project has been monitoring tpyboc eBay seller registered in China.

Are buyers learning about the true costs of flash memory chips?

Disappearing Fake Flash Memory Sellers On eBay – An eBay Mystery for 32 64 128 And 256 GB Flash Memory.

Are flash memory sellers of fraudulent capacity and counterfeits disappearing into thin air? On eBay they are. One minute listings are pouring out, snapped up by eager eBay buyers but only a few days later, nothing. There is no evidence the seller existed, no residual traces of listings to be found on the internet. Is this unusual?

eBay Hacked Flash Memory Warnings From FakeMemorySentinel May 2010

Testing warning alerts for usb flash drives, mp players and memory cards sold on eBay published by FakeMemorySentinel May 2010. Did you buy from one of these sellers? Read the alert and follow the instructions.

tamstore003 – Bribery The eBay Fake Flash Memory Seller’s Way. Why Fraudulent Sellers Fear Negative Feedback.

A lot of people wonder how eBay sellers of fake flash memory products get away with fraud. Easy. Divide and conquer. If found out, many eBay sellers will offer you extra money, more than your total purchase price (includes shipping and handling). Why? To get you to remove your negative feedback. Negative feedback warns other buyers. It also lowers a sellers score. If a sellers score drops too much on eBay, there will be a suspension and the seller will not be able to list any products or sell. Some victims do accept the bribe, but many do not. Those who don’t are people who care about the principal and other eBay buyers who will be victims if they don’t take a stand and leave the negative as a warning.

A recent victim of tamstore003, reported to SOSFaKeFlash using their Report A Fake tab and wrote about personal experience and thoughts:

Alert List Hacked Flash Memory From FakeMemorySentinel February 2010 – April 2010

Here is the alert list published by FakeMemorySentinel for eBay sellers and internet sites from 201002 to 201004. Did you buy from one of these sellers or internet sites? Read the alert and follow the instructions.

Dt200 Fakes Or China Gowns eBay Ring Selling Fake 128GB USB Flash Drives By FakeMemorySentinel

22 eBay seller are linked together in selling fake memory usb flash drives. Almost all advertised at 128GB capacity, most sell counterfeit DT200 Kingston DataTraveler usb flash drives usually for as little as $30 US dollars or less. These sellers have sold using multiple item listings and have frauded thousands of buyers together. Is your seller on this list?

best2all8888 eBay Fake Flash Seller Uses Bribery Then Unpaid Item Strike Against Victim Who Bought A Fake SDHC Memory Card.

best2all8888 is a long established Powerseller on eBay who engages in fraud. best2all8888 has sold false capacity memory cards along with MP Players. best2all8888 has been identified as belonging to the Lee Man Fung counterfeit ring operating on eBay.

BlueStar was one of his victims. He bought a fake 16GB SD SDHC Memory Card Secure Digital Class 6 card. Like many victims he first tested his card with H2testw . It was only 2GB, it had been digitally altered to report a false capacity of 16GB. BlueStar left negative feedback, to warn other buyers. What happened?

TechChips Offers Advice And Information On The New Kingston DT310 DataTraveler Sold In The United States.

The newest 256GB USB Flash drive from Kingston Technologies is out. TechChips offers buying advice and a photo profile of this new drive available in the United States.

DT310/256GB Replaces DataTraveler DT300 256GB DataTraveler From Kingston Technologies. DT310 Is The Biggest USB Pen Stick Memory Flash Drive Size

Inside eBay Seller garysin2008’s Fake 32 GB USB Flash Drive. The Flash Memory Chip FBNL63A59K3PG. 4GB.

An eBay member, a victim of ebay fake flash memory seller garysin2008, ordered a 32GB usb flash drive. You will be astonished at the price he paid.

He documented his experience and photographed the usb flash drive, outside and in with comments.

Quick Thinking eBayer Preserves Evidence On eBay Fake Flash Memory Seller – wangxiaoling128

An eBay member frauded by wangxiaoling128 preserved the evidence on this fraudulent seller before eBay could hide the truth.

Private Auctions eBay – 30 Day Challenge. MP3 MP4 Players, Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives.

Approximately 85% to 95% of MP3 MP4 Players, Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives sold on eBay are false capacity. They are referred to as fakes by eBay members who have been frauded by eBay sellers of fake flash memory products.

Can you take the 30 day challenge? Do you know about private auctions on eBay and what it means to buyers?