In a time when DDR5 memory prices keep soaring to unprecedented levels, we have seen consumers resort to older DDR4 memory, but not like this. X user @watagjt shared an unusual experience with a DDR5 memory stick that contained no DDR5 memory chips inside. The memory stick, seemingly from Kingston, reportedly had DDR4 memory chips soldered onto the PCB instead, making it clear that it wasn't a regular purchase.

According to the buyer, the Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 module was bought unopened, with no visible damage, and its heatsink and label looked normal at first glance. The teardown, however, revealed a messy soldering job with flux residue and unused PCB pads, leading the buyer to suspect the swap. Interestingly, the DDR4 chips themselves showed valid DDR5 identifiers, which made the swap even more convincing.

Of course, what makes this scam deeply concerning is that it is impossible to spot without disassembling the stick, and even then, a trained eye is needed to make the conclusion. The advice for buyers is to stick with brand-new or trusted used components, and never purchase anything from a suspicious third-party vendor.