3 Minutes
A Reddit user who ordered a PNY GeForce RTX 5080 from Amazon says they opened the package to find a brick wrapped in the anti-static bag instead of the GPU. The episode highlights risks tied to third-party logistics and return-handling on large marketplaces, and offers useful precautions for buyers of high-value electronics.
How the mix-up unfolded
Last week the Reddit account GlassHistorical5303 posted photos showing RTX 5080 packaging with a brick inside. The card in question was a PNY GeForce RTX 5080 listed for roughly $1,000. According to the user, Amazon ultimately issued a refund, but only after a protracted process.
There are two plausible explanations. First, Amazon's Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) system can sometimes repackage returned items without a detailed inspection, relying largely on weights and packaging. If a returned box is put back into inventory without opening, the next buyer could receive whatever was inside the returned outer box. Second, a dishonest buyer could have received the genuine GPU, removed it, and then returned a brick in its place. If that returned parcel wasn't fully checked, it could then be reshipped to a new customer.
Why this matters for GPU shoppers
High-demand graphics cards remain prime targets for tampering and fraud. When retailers and marketplaces prioritize speed and volume, quality checks can be inconsistent, especially with third-party sellers and returned goods. The result: buyers who think they're purchasing a brand-new, unopened RTX 5080 can instead receive a tampered or empty package.
Practical tips to avoid being the next victim
Take a few simple precautions when buying expensive components online:
- Prefer listings that are sold and shipped by Amazon or by the manufacturer to reduce handling layers.
- Record your unboxing on video immediately. A timestamped recording strengthens any refund or fraud claim.
- Verify the GPU serial number with the AIB vendor or the manufacturer's warranty portal. That check helps reveal whether a product was previously registered or refurbished.
- Inspect packaging carefully for resealing tape, uneven weight distribution, or damaged anti-static bags before accepting the shipment.
The Redditor was refunded, but their story is a reminder: even trusted marketplaces can experience lapses. Staying vigilant during delivery and unboxing reduces the chances that you'll end up paying for a brick instead of a GPU.
Conclusion
Amazon's handling of FBA returns and the occasional lack of thorough inspection can lead to rare but costly incidents, like a buyer receiving a brick instead of an RTX 5080. By choosing reliable sellers, documenting unboxings, and verifying serial numbers, consumers can protect themselves from similar scams and ensure a smoother claims process if something goes wrong.
Source: wccftech
Comments