SOSFakeFlash Releases Report On eBay For Fake Flash Memory Sold. The Different Price Lists From Wholesalers In The Orient For Flash Memory Products. Fakes verse Genuine.

eBay is not a good place to buy or even sell usb flash drives, memory cards or mp3 mp4 players. Sellers and resellers need to be aware there are usually two different price lists offered in the Orient for the same items. Choose the wrong list and you will regret it.

What is the key factor that determines whether you buy a fake flash memory MP Player, usb flash drive or memory card?

How can you know if a mp player, memory card or usb flash drive is suspect? How can you quickly spot a fake – flash capacity! See TechChip’s recent article: How Can You Spot Fake Flash Memory Chips? What Is the Key Factor That Determines If MP3 MP4 Players, USB Flash Drives Or Memory Cards Are Fake Capacity?

Flash Memory Prices Are Rising – Digitimes Reveals Why.

The FrankenFlash Project has been reporting that prices for memory flash chips are going up, not down. A recent article published by Digitimes on 14 September 2009: Apple demand causing serious NAND flash shortage in Taiwan confirms this. Digitimes reveals why the prices are rising.

digitimes’s reported the following prices:

The average spot price of 16Gb multi-level cell (MLC) chips rose 0.85% to close at US$5.17 on September 11, and the 32Gb part was up 0.5% to US$7.13, according to DRAMeXchange. In the contract market, average pricing for 16Gb chips climbed 7.2% to US$4.48 in the first half of September, and 32Gb went up 4.3% to US$6.80.

For potential sellers and buyers this information is very important to know. Unfortunately a lot of older smaller capacity flash memory chips are being digitally altered to report a size much larger than the actual capacity.

Bit’s and Bytes Math

Memory manufacturers do not refer to memory chips in GB – Gigabytes, they use Gigabits. This confuses a lot of people. Is there a difference? Yes.

It takes 8 bits to make a byte. Therefore in consumer terms you must divide any size reported in Gb, by 8 – this will give you the size consumers are familiar with – GB.

What does this mean for prices?

16Gb multi-level cell (MLC) / 8 = 2GB chip. A 2GB chip costs $5.17
32Gb multi-level cell (MLC) / 8 = 4GB chip. A 4GB chip costs $7.13

spot prices on average are a little lower for “contracts”

16Gb multi-level cell (MLC) / 8 = 2GB chip. A 2GB chip costs $4.48
32Gb multi-level cell (MLC) / 8 = 4GB chip. A 4GB chip costs $6.80

Previously reported What Are The Real Costs For Flash Chips In China? Guide 2009

1GB = 3.38
2GB = 4.11
4GB = 6.61
8GB = 13.23
16GB = 29.41

This means:

2GB rose about 25% since April, 2009: from $4.11 to $5.17 US
4GB rose about 8% since April, 2009:$6.61 to $7.13 US

The April 2009 pricing reflected the increasing costs, much higher than 2008 for the same capacity. While information is not currently available for 8GB or 16GB, you can expect they also rose in price and as they are more recent chips, perhaps a great deal.

Consumers and potential resellers for usb flash drives, mp players and memory cards need to be extremely careful.

Only mentioned are the actual costs of the memory chips. The prices do not include the extras needed actually create a usb flash drive, mp player or memory card. The other parts, labour costs to assemble, modest profit of the manufacturing facility, modest profit of a wholesaling site – for genuine capacity items have been excluded.

If you are a seller thinking of selling please read:

So You Want To Sell On eBay For USB Memory Flash Drive PenSticks – MP Players – Memory Cards? Can You Make An Honest Profit And Sell Cheap? and consult other articles at http://flashdrivefacts.wordpress.com/

Please research and becareful. The FrankenFlash Project and it’s many sites are combating fraud for false capacity memory chips. These are chips reprogrammed to lie about their real size to operating systems. You should always inspect and test your merchandise for it’s true memory capacity prior to offering it for sale!

Read: H2testw 1.4 – Gold Standard In Detecting USB Counterfeit Drives at SOSFakeFlash . If you review the many comments you will know why this software is so useful.

Practice safe selling:

1. Research your intended product.
2. Find out what the costs are for memory chips.
3. Buy from reputable sources.
4. Test your merchandise!
5. If flash memory devices fail testing:

• If it fails testing with H2testw, take the item apart to inspect the memory chips.
• Visit http://flashchiptech.wordpress.com/ for link information to chip manufactures to decode the chips you found to determine the real size.
• If it is a brand name product report it to the brand name. Include the source of acquistion.
• Photograph, document. See http://fixfakeflash.wordpress.com/ and http://sosfakeflash.wordpress.com/ for examples.
• Take legal action against your acquisition source according to how you paid and the laws of your country.
• Please do not attempt to sell the false capacity items to reclaim your costs. You only make the problem grow. If you are reported to the project and they investigate, you could find yourself on the internet.
• You are welcome to report the source of your fake flash memory acquisition to sosfakeflashdrive@gmail.com.
• Feel free to leave a comment on an article at any of the FrankenFlash Project sites. Make sure to post your testing results along with your testimony for items purchased outside of eBay. This is important. It warns other potential sellers against purchasing from your source!

The FrankenFlash Project is a co founded effort. Fake flash sellers on eBay (victims) and eBay buyers together started the project. It was not founded solely by buyers who became victims of false memory flash chips. Avoid the potential nightmare that comes from buying false capacity memory. RESEARCH YOUR PROJECT. Test items by category before offering for sale. Periodically continue to randomly test your orders. You are quality control. Protect yourself. Protect your buyers.

You can earn money by selling, but expect a modest profit. If you are being offered unrealistic prices, you will receive false capacity items. Digitimes has given some of the current prices and has explained some of the reasons why they are increasing.

Producing high quality flash drive chips, is expensive. There is a lot of overhead – the inspection process for flash memory chips is repeated at various stages during the manufacturing process. It is not only carried out at the end! During the retesting, more and more chips are discarded as they move through the process. These are often the chips that some how end up in fake capacity usb flash drives, mp players and memory cards.

Both resellers and consumers need to be prepared to pay realistic prices. If either or both do not, expect false capacity memory to be the result and the nightmare of consequences that come with fake memory.

So You Want To Sell On eBay For USB Memory Flash Drive PenSticks – MP Players – Memory Cards? Can You Make An Honest Profit And Sell Cheap?

Do you want to make a lot of money on eBay fast, selling mp players, memory cards and usb flash drives? If you buy from wholesaler internet sites in China, beware! To many eBay sellers are quick to buy and begin counting the profits as soon as they list! Why? Frequently they buy as low as $5 for a 16GB usb flash drive and sell as high as $25! Sometimes much more. Sounds great doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, most sellers do not bother to do their homework and research the true costs of nand flash chip technology. If they did, they would probably decide to bake cookies to sell at a fund raiser then sell on eBay. The sad fact is, the profit margin is very small for selling true capacity items. Only if you can move in volume will you make a modest profit.

SOSFakeFlash has been forced to introduce a zero tolerance policy for false capacity and or counterfeit flash items sold on eBay because the situation is so bad. Just one investigation with evidence and you as an eBay seller could end up on their fake flash sellers list, even have an alert published on the internet! They have never retracted or removed an alert yet from the internet and they are unlikely to. A seller is required to submit proof that he has refunded every single buyer in full (postage and handling charges too) along with an apology to every buyer. If there is data loss as a result, also compensate the buyer for the loss equivalent to the importance of the data and it’s reconstruction (when possible) – pretty stiff terms don’t you think? No, crying “I am a victim too!” will not get you off the hook, unless you are prepared to do what is required.

Be safe. Be smart. Do your home. Research the items you wish to sell. Test them at random to make sure your supplier doesn’t send you a “mixed box” (true capacity with fake capacity mixed in). If you want to sell a brand name, don’t buy from an Oriental wholesaler site please, unless they are authorized by the brand name. You will only end up with counterfeits and fakes. If the seller says they are authorized, contact the brand name to make sure. It is worth the wait and a few emails. Better than getting into the cross hairs of the battle raging on eBay and losing your seller reputation for ever.

Recently FakeFlashNews published an article we think you should read. It is being published here. You can learn a lot from it. Also see a sample of what SOSFakeFlash will do to an eBay seller caught selling false capacity items. Read on the grading system for nand flash chips and also the current prices in 2009.

Published at FakeFlash News:

Ebay offers very low bid and buy prices for memory cards, mp players and usb flash drives. It gets members excited. Often in a very short period of time, they will buy many items in a period of only one to two weeks. So cheap, so affordable!

Only when the items begin to arrive and the consumer starts having problems with mp players that refuse to load songs after a certain point, or memory cards will not transfer pictures to a PC or error messages begin to appear when attempting to access a file on a usb flash drives do they suspect something is wrong!

Of course there is something wrong! The devices have a low grade memory storage flash nand chip. It is not the size advertised. It can’t be. The price paid was too low for the true costs of the advertised size for the storage chip!

Fake flash sellers sell digitally altered items, reprogrammed to “appear” an advertised size. When victims test or take the items apart, they are able to prove they received an undersized flash nand storage chip from the eBay seller!

One of the best and most recent example is a devious fake flash seller, ebidetrade001 on eBay. FakeFlashNews is republishing an article from SOSFakeFlash. It sums up the experience and conclusions of eBay members who have been frauded for over five years.

From SOSFakeFlash:

ebidetrade001 is an eBay seller of Counterfeit (Fake) Flash USB drives. Registered in Hong Kong, ebidetrade001 is using private auctions to hide his fake flash sellers and using multiple auction listings. More than 500+ items have been sold.

Report in to SOSFakeFlash if your testing confirms you have a false capacity device.

Don’t forget to leave the calling card of “SOSFakeFlash” and “H2testw” in your feedback to help others. Do not change your feedback to get a refund – you will only create more victims. With Private Auctions the only way to defeat the fraudster is make your negative feedback count!

A Victim observes:

I gave this guy the benefit of the doubt because i thought it might have been his supplier who chipped the drive.
However all of his answers to communications through eBay and PayPal dispute show the classic signs of a scammer, as described on your site.

He has now hidden his auctions of this type of item, but all of his other items (e.g. 0.05 cent styluses, etc.) remain in clear view.

After buying this drive I now find him reported as suspect. Pity I didn’t find this site before I bought the item.

Using chipgenius and iflash, I have successfully reflashed this drive to it’s correct 3.6GB capacity and I guess 3.6GB for $14.00 is still cheaper than I can get one here in Australia, but it still leaves a nasty taste in my mouth.

This is the first bad experience that I have has on eBay after more than 200 transactions. I won’t be buying any flash memeory product on eBay ever again.

This is not an unusual reaction to a fake flash experience on eBay, it is the standard reaction. The victim, learned a lesson we all learned the hard way. In taking up the challenge to repair the usb flash drive and succeeding, it is not unusual to end up with a only 3.6 GB instead of 3.9 GB for a 4GB flash chip. It means that the nand storage chip was a reject. Read Genuine Verses Fake Counterfeit USB Flash Drives – A Guide – USB Flash Chips Used In USB Flash Drives – Grades A B C D

In paying $14 AU our victim paid a premium of about 33% for the privilege of acquiring a fake usb flash drive according to the costs in: What Are The Real Costs For Flash Chips In China? Guide 2009 for this usb flash drive:

If only there would be a way to post the information on the cost of nand flash chips on eBay! Just how quickly would the buying and biding stop for most of what is offered in usb flash drives, MP Players and memory cards! eBay would lose one of the most important sources of revenue, eBay members would finally be spared from nightmares resulting from fake flash acquistion. Fraudsters in the Orient and elsewhere would be out of business soon. No demand, no supply.

not yet investigated:

ebidetrade001 addresses:

LAW KWOK CHUNG

ROOM 501, TIN LONG HSE.
TING PING EST.SHEUNG SHUI
N.T.
HONGKONG

zhang yuan lin

12A, Lijingge, Yunjing Haoyuan, Chunfeng Road,
Luohu District
Shenzhen
Guangdong Province
518000
China

To understand about Fake Flash Sellers Read:

• fengfeng_joy2008 Fraud – Conversations between THH And Fake Flash Seller On Fake 32GB Memory Cards. Tale of Denial, Bribery And Violation Of eBay’s Feedback Policies
• FAKE 16GB 32GB 64GB – Conversations Between A Fake Flash Seller and A Victim – The Truth About the Scam Exposed

Important Reading:

• PayPal Refunds Victim Of Fake – False Capacity USB Flash Drives Purchased On Ebay. 8 Month Battle Leads To Success.
• Escalation In False Capacity USB Fake Memory eBay! SOSFakeFlash News July 3rd, 2009
• eBay Victims do not leave positive Feedback or change FB to positive to get refunds!
• eBay – What To Do When Sellers Demands You Change Your Negative Feedback To Positive For A Refund Or Demands Positive As A Condition Of Refund – A Guide
• USB Flash Drives Best Price Bargains Fair Value To Sell Or Buy 8GB 16GB 32GB
• Why Leave Immediate Negative Feedback For an eBay Fake Flash Seller?
• MP Players On Ebay – Current Prices For Cheap Fake 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32 GB SOSFakeFlash’s Report
• SOSFakeFlash Consumer Education Week 20090605 – 20090612. The Problem of Counterfeit and Fake Memory Sold On Ebay

Report in to SOSFakeFlash if your testing confirms you have a false capacity device.

Guide – How To Prove A Fake USB Flash Memory Pen Drive Stick Pen To Be False Capacity – A Visual Example

A Fake usb flash drive, is a memory pen stick that has been digitally altered – reprogrammed to lie to an operating system about the real size of it’s flash nand storage chip. Once you exceed true capacity of the chip, you begin to loose files. People do not suspect the real reason, thinking it an error in the data transfer. Only when it happens again and again do they suspect there is something more… How can you find out if you have a fake usb flash drive?

Reprinted from InspectorTech’s site http://fixfakeflash.wordpress.com/

United States – Canada – Australia – Europe: eBay Sellers Of Fake MP Players, Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives. Blind Pursuit Of Greed and The Get Rich Quick Scheme.

Ebay Fake Flash Sellers in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe are different from their Oriental cousins. Most Oriental fake flash sellers are just trying to move low capacity chips at their actual price with a modest mark up – to achieve this they just digitally alter the chips to appear the size consumers are interested in.

Fake flash eBay sellers elsewhere, only see Hugh dollar signs – get rich quick schemes. The majority do not do their product homework, they dive into the fake flash bargain bin at wholesaling internet sites in the Orient. Their goal? To buy a 32GB usb flash drive at $6 US and sell it at $40 US or more! Do you think the Project is pulling your leg? Read: Wholesale Prices For Fake Sony Kingston Counterfeit USB Flash Drives 16GB 32GB 64Gb 120GB 240GB 360GB 500GB

Their markup is unrealistic, but again greed blinds people. Times are hard and many just want to believe that selling flash based devices will quickly earn them many pots of gold. All financial woes to end, easy money here I come!

The number of eBay sellers who have been caught for selling fake flash in North America and Europe is not small. While some have been prodded into removing their listings quickly when good souls like you contact them to:

1) test
2) read up on the subject

others quickly flipped the switch on their auction listing to “Private Auctions” to avoid detection, refusing to allow anyone to spoil their profit objectives.

Worse still, are eBay fake flash victims who turn to the dark side. Having been sold fakes, they feel they have a right to sell them to others. Pass the Buck. If I got scr*wed why shouldn’t you. Diabolical, but true!

• Ebay Fake Flash Seller arifqammar – A Mystery In The Ukraine
• darnubiz Ebay Fake Flash Seller Alert USA – Mystery Of a Kingston DataTraveler USB Flash Drive

There are others but the stories depressing and miserable.

To the Project, the only thing worse than a fake flash seller is a fake flash victim who tries to sell his fakes to others.

The saddest case on file is a seller in Spain who sold his fake to a brand new eBay member – his very first purchase on eBay!

This might seem gloomy about eBay sellers outside of the Orient. You need to know there are positive outcomes. eBay sellers who having discovered they were selling fakes, make it a point to contact every single buyer and refund them! Apologize too. These sellers are classified as “Victim Sellers”. They helped to co-found the FrankenFlash Project with eBayer victims. Are you surprised?

eBay is a mirror of the world in which we live. The same applies to eBay and PayPal – as many companies that have followed the cost cutting mantra of this age, they have forgotten about who matters, who gives them business – YOU!

So what did you pay for your false capacity device from an eBay seller in United States or Canada or Australia or Europe? Did you pay a lot more than from Oriental fake flash sellers? The average bid prices up to the end of May 2009 are:

You will see that outside of the orient (under Asia) , the bid prices are higher for eBay sellers located on other continents. It makes little difference. A Fake is a fake. Only buyers attempting to avoid the orient thinking that they will get a true capacity flash device and who buy elsewhere, are just as likely to fall into the fake flash pit. Why? The prices paid are not in line with the true costs. There is little mark up or profit to be made selling these items, unless you can move in very large quantities.

We also need to be fair here. The current state of the global economy is partly due to a problem in values and beliefs. For too long everyone has believed you can get “more for less”. The fact is as we have said repeatedly – there is a rock bottom fair price. If you go below this, you will not get what you are expecting. It is impossible to deliver to you. No one sells to lose money.

The echo of all fake flash victims is the same. “I did not know”. Everyone including members of the FrankenFlash Project thought they were just cutting out the middle men. It is a rude surprise and awakening for all. In some cases with tragic consequences – permanent data loss. Most fake flash victims as a result of their ordeal and that includes members of the Project, became wiser as a result of this horrible experience.

If it is too good to be true, it usually is…

As a result of this experience many no longer buy on eBay and quite a few have left PayPal tool. Most victims are resolved to buy locally from reputable sellers and are now willing to pay the true and realistic prices for mp players, usb flash drives and memory cards.

Additional Reading:

• USB Flash Drives Best Price Bargains Fair Value To Sell Or Buy 8GB 16GB 32GB
• Genuine Verses Fake Counterfeit USB Flash Drives – A Guide – USB Flash Chips Used In USB Flash Drives – Grades A B C D
• What Are The Real Costs For Flash Chips In China? Guide 2009
• FAKE 16GB 32GB 64GB – Conversations Between A Fake Flash Seller and A Victim – The Truth About the Scam Exposed

Flickr : FrankenFlash Project, SOSFakeFlash, data loss flash memory, eBay Fraud, ebay fake guide memory, ebay fake memory scam, fake pendrive
Zooomr : FrankenFlash Project, SOSFakeFlash, data loss flash memory, eBay Fraud, ebay fake guide memory, ebay fake memory scam, fake pendrive

The Orient – eBay Sellers Of Fake MP Players, Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives. Are You Not Getting What You Paid For?

Fake flash sellers on eBay are clever. The ones located in the Orient are professional, even polite. They have a long term view and have been in business for a long time on eBay – long before you bought your false capacity device!

Rarely rude, at least not at the at the start, they will apologize and do all they can to have you believe the item is defective or a mistake. Even point the finger at their wicked supplier for having deceived them to milk your tears of sympathy for all it is worth. They will plead saying their job is at stake. They will negotiate. They will bribe. They will tailor the story to your personality. It is an art form, part of doing business. You will not find the crude vulgarity displayed by North American scammers nor the obstinate short tempered nature of European fraudsters.

Many think the Oriental fake flash sellers are greedy. No they are not. They are moving product in volume. Since low capacity devices don’t sell, they simply dress them up to the capacity that will interest buyers.

The reality is, you simply pay a small premium for the value of possessing a counterfeit of false capacity. Known to victims as fake usb flash drives, fake mp players, fake memory cards Those who perform the digital alteration need to be be paid for their efforts. The data collected by the Frankenflash project supports this for items purchased in the Orient, for 16GB advertised capacity it is glaring. The true capacity of the flash chips are in line with the prices paid along with a small premium mark up added. Not what you were hoping to hear?

Consider the price you paid for your item then read:

• USB Flash Drives Best Price Bargains Fair Value To Sell Or Buy 8GB 16GB 32GB
• Genuine Verses Fake Counterfeit USB Flash Drives – A Guide – USB Flash Chips Used In USB Flash Drives – Grades A B C D
• What Are The Real Costs For Flash Chips In China? Guide 2009

Have a look at the average bid price a seller receives by the continent where the seller is located. Sellers in the Orient fall under “Asia”

The data is current up to the end of May 2009. Shipping charges are not tracked. If you read up on the cost of flash chips, now use the true capacity of your flash drive chip against the bid prices sellers in the Orient receive. What are your conclusions?

Unfortunately while fake flash eBay sellers in the Orient feel they are just “doing business” – the sad fact is, they are selling data poison. Buyers lose their files when it comes to usb flash drives and memory cards. The damage done has devastated many. For Buyers of MP Players, they receive aggravation and a loss of consumer confidence in buying ANYTHING that comes from the Orient.

You may find this article very interesting reading:

FAKE 16GB 32GB 64GB – Conversations Between A Fake Flash Seller and A Victim – The Truth About the Scam Exposed

Full Report Ebay 200804 – 200905 Counterfeit And Fake Memory Cards, MP Players, Flash Memory USB Pensticks Sold On eBay By Seller To Help You Recognize The Fakes

The new edition of the master report on eBay fake flash devices sold by seller now contains 13 months of data. Presented to you by the FrankenFlashProject this new report contains 390 sellers and 1,044 models, the majority with photos used at auction. Previously this report was referred to as the fake flash sellers mug shot report.

In the early months of the battle to rid eBay of these fraudsters, there was less emphasis on documenting and preserving all the fakes investigated. At the time, SOSFakeFlash and Ebayers Against Fake Flash Devices thought through effort and arm twisting eBay would finally wake up after fives years and address the issue. They did not.

Instead, they attempted to hound and persecute those who worked inside eBay addressing the issue and promoting awareness. Many found themselves suspended or locked out, but for each fake flash angel whose wings were singed another soon stepped forward.

As SOSFakeFlash kept investigating and publishing alerts, eBay began to suspend sellers. At first you might think this is postive, but it also gives eBay the ability to immediately remove all of the sellers listings current and previous; to prevent any further negative feedback from accumulating against a seller. As a result SOSFakeFlash documents in advance to ensure evidence remains and is preserved. While this creates a lot of additional overhead and work, it is necessary so that you might have the master report.

SOSFakeFlash’s Investigative Master Report of ebay fake flash sellers. Devices sold from April 2008 to May 2009.

This file is in pdf format. 2.1 MB is size. Contains 65 pages and is in colour.

You the eBay victims, have made this report possible. By reporting to us using the report a fake tab and by fake flash angel cells sending their contributions, together you build this list! It is something no one can deny. It also means people who have said there is a problem on eBay all these years were not making it up. It is real. Of course eBay already knows this, they just do not want the global public to find out. Get your report and review it for yourselves. What are your conclusions?

Continue to fight back. Contact fellow victims of your fake flash seller and rescue them. You will find some willing to join you if you show you are committed to having the seller REMOVED. If you look at the eBay Fake Flash Sellers List and review the current one you will see many fake flash sellers are under suspension. That is the power of YOU!

getitinaflash Genuine Internet Seller Of USB Flash drives – getitinaflash.com

getitinaflash is an internet seller of genuine USB flash drives at realistic and fair prices. Based in Australia, getitinaflash does more than offer real usb flash drives for sale!

This seller stands out with an additional service – requests to download certain kinds of software (provided it is legal) and load onto the memory stick for you. If you have a low internet bandwidth or quota per month this is fabulous! A linux dvd distro could use up a person’s monthly quota and incur additional service charges. In Australia, many internet providers charge based on how much a person downloads!

You can buy blank (unloaded) usb flash drives or loaded ones, If you are a linux fan you can also get “persistent” Linux Live Boot Drives too. Also offered are DVD downloads.

John’s usb flash drives are high speed, reliable and have their capacity verified. You don’t have to be in Australia to order from getitinaflash, you can be anywhere in the world .

If you are looking for an honest internet seller who sells true capacity at fair prices “get it in a flash!” is an internet seller SOSFakeFlash recommends.

http://www.getitinaflash.com/

The FrankenFlash Project receives no referral fees and does not accept donations from internet Sellers. If a seller is nominated, it is by the sellers own merit. This service of nominating true internet sellers is provided at the request of fake flash victims desperate to find genuine sellers for true advertised capacity flash devices

John at getitinaflash has also written up additional information on fake usb flash drives you might like to read: http://www.getitinaflash.com/is-it-fake.php We never asked for anything from a seller, but getitinaflash is very serious about selling true capacity and does appreciate the damage fake flash sellers do to buyers.

If you would like to learn more about what a persistent Linux Live Boot Drive boot drive is please visit: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/ .

Some people with older machines do not have an option to change the bios to boot from a usb drive. They are limited to choosing the boot order with Floppy,CD or Hard disk order. getitinaflash can provide a CD that can be used in combination with the usb drive for computers (PC’s and Laptop’s) unable to boot to it directly (usb flash drive). This is a difficult challenge for many, but this seller has take the time and pain out of making it work for older machines.

FAKE 16GB 32GB 64GB – Conversations Between A Fake Flash Seller and A Victim – The Truth About the Scam Exposed

Why are fake usb pen sticks, MP players and memory cards sold on eBay? The false capacity ranging from 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32GB 60GB 64GB 120GB 240GB 260GB 360GB to 500GB sizes.

One size is advertised but the true size is much smaller! You buy a 16GB MP player but only get 2GB or 4GB of storage. You buy a 16GB usb flash drive and get 1GB or 2GB of storage, maybe 4GB if you are lucky. You buy a 16GB memory card and only get 2GB or 4GB. When it comes to usb flash drives and memory cards, the digital alteration of the controller flash chip is deadly – you lose your data! Do the ebay sellers know what they are doing? Is there a reason?

Recently SOSFakeFlash asked for stories, experiences. We received one, an explicit conversation between a fake flash seller and a buyer victim. It dates to the summer of 2008 and nothing since has changed. It is published exactly as received. It might be long but if you want answers start reading!

Presented by Dave:

Hi,

My names Dave and I only recently came across your site – I think it’s great and these people need to be stopped. A long while ago I had a problem with a cheap MP4 player and began talking to the seller on Skype, the conversation became very interesting! I’ll let you read!! :

I will say that it is very long, so you don’t have to read all of it, but if you have the time, you can. If not the middle bit is interesing. I might have gotten a bit harsh at times, but they were harsh to me in first place!

[23/06/2008 01:10:44] luckytrade says: hi, nice to meet you
[24/06/2008 16:47:21] davidharryprosser says: hi!
[24/06/2008 16:47:40] davidharryprosser says: id this lucktrade88?
[24/06/2008 16:48:44] davidharryprosser says: hello?
[24/06/2008 16:49:10] davidharryprosser says: are you there?
[24/06/2008 16:50:52] davidharryprosser says: hi?
[24/06/2008 16:52:09] luckytrade says: hi
[24/06/2008 16:52:16] luckytrade says: sorry for my late
[24/06/2008 16:52:19] davidharryprosser says: ok
[24/06/2008 16:52:25] davidharryprosser says: what is your ebay name?
[24/06/2008 16:52:34] luckytrade says: fantasticbid008
[24/06/2008 16:52:41] davidharryprosser says: ok
[24/06/2008 16:52:55] davidharryprosser says: i am having a little problem with an mp4 player
[24/06/2008 16:53:23] luckytrade says: what is the problem?
[24/06/2008 16:53:47] davidharryprosser says: when i play some videos and some songs it says “format error”
[24/06/2008 16:54:01] davidharryprosser says: i have checked and all my videos are AMV and the songs are MP3
[24/06/2008 16:54:02] luckytrade says: it supports the AVI format
[24/06/2008 16:54:12] davidharryprosser says: you dont need to convert?
[24/06/2008 16:54:19] davidharryprosser says: i can just put on avi?
[24/06/2008 16:54:29] luckytrade says: oh, may i ask which is your mp3? is the touch screen?
[24/06/2008 16:54:34] davidharryprosser says: no
[24/06/2008 16:54:37] davidharryprosser says: the chocolate
[24/06/2008 16:55:23] davidharryprosser says: i am just a little worried as i have found websites that say some companies are hacking their mp4 players to look like they are larger capacity than they really are
[24/06/2008 16:55:47] luckytrade says: dont worry about this,
[24/06/2008 16:56:09] luckytrade says: it that is the chocolate, then it supports the AMV format
[24/06/2008 16:56:15] davidharryprosser says: ok
[24/06/2008 16:56:22] luckytrade says: and it will need you to use the converter in the disc
[24/06/2008 16:56:32] luckytrade says: if you didnt find it,i will send you one
[24/06/2008 16:56:50] davidharryprosser says: i have done than and all files are amv but it says format error sometimes!
[24/06/2008 16:57:26] luckytrade says: we suggest you to use the Converter in the disc
[24/06/2008 16:57:34] davidharryprosser says: i have
[24/06/2008 16:57:47] luckytrade says: or this is the link for you to get the converter:http://www.tinydeal.com/techsupport/AMV4.05.zip
[24/06/2008 16:58:02] davidharryprosser says: i have used the converter already
[24/06/2008 16:58:43] luckytrade says: so it still doesnt work??
[24/06/2008 16:58:49] davidharryprosser says: no
[24/06/2008 16:58:53] davidharryprosser says: it still doesnt work
[24/06/2008 16:59:03] davidharryprosser says: it is only on some of the videos and some of the songs
[24/06/2008 16:59:09] davidharryprosser says: it seems to be very random
[24/06/2008 16:59:34] luckytrade says: do you mean that some video can work?
[24/06/2008 16:59:40] davidharryprosser says: yes
[24/06/2008 16:59:45] davidharryprosser says: and so can some songs
[24/06/2008 16:59:54] luckytrade says: i see
[24/06/2008 16:59:56] davidharryprosser says: i have 2.6GB of data on it
[24/06/2008 17:00:23] luckytrade says: so i think that must be faulty,what about i replace you another one?
[24/06/2008 17:01:23] davidharryprosser says: that it ok
[24/06/2008 17:01:36] davidharryprosser says: are you definately sure it will work and be able to hold a full 4GB???
[24/06/2008 17:02:18] luckytrade says: sure, let me know your item number
[24/06/2008 17:02:43] davidharryprosser says: of the one i bought?
[24/06/2008 17:03:08] luckytrade says: yes, but i would like you to ship it back first
[24/06/2008 17:03:10] luckytrade says: ok??
[24/06/2008 17:03:41] luckytrade says: and then let me know the parcel number or tracking number,once i get this, i will ship you another one asap, what do you think??
[24/06/2008 17:04:00] davidharryprosser says: will i have to pay for postage?
[24/06/2008 17:04:24] luckytrade says: better
[24/06/2008 17:04:40] davidharryprosser says: ?? what do you mean better?
[24/06/2008 17:04:58] luckytrade says: if you can pay for it back,then it is better
[24/06/2008 17:05:13] luckytrade says: you know i will reship you another one for free of charge
[24/06/2008 17:05:57] davidharryprosser says: can you possibly pay me for the postage back?
[24/06/2008 17:06:37] luckytrade says: if i can, i will. but our principle is buyer to pay for it back
[24/06/2008 17:07:07] luckytrade says: seller reship it at his own
[24/06/2008 17:07:30] davidharryprosser says: but it is not my problem it is not working
[24/06/2008 17:08:48] luckytrade says: what about i share it with you?
[24/06/2008 17:09:03] davidharryprosser says: ok im not sure how much it is
[24/06/2008 17:09:36] davidharryprosser says: and i would just like to say thankyou for shipping the other items i bought so quickly that is good service, are there many people employed by your company?
[24/06/2008 17:10:03] luckytrade says: so i hope you can show me the receipt for it back, so that i can pay the half postage for you, ok?
[24/06/2008 17:10:29] davidharryprosser says: i will try to find it now
[24/06/2008 17:11:14] luckytrade says: thanks.i have to go now, if any news,please just leave me message, ok??
[24/06/2008 17:11:52] davidharryprosser says: ok
[24/06/2008 17:12:09] luckytrade says: thanks~~~
[26/06/2008 17:53:48] davidharryprosser says: i have just sent you an email do you want to read it first or shall i tell you what i wrote now?
[26/06/2008 17:54:50] luckytrade says: let me know what’s up
[26/06/2008 17:55:02] davidharryprosser says: now?
[26/06/2008 17:55:06] luckytrade says: yes
[26/06/2008 17:55:09] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 17:55:34] davidharryprosser says: well i am very sad to hear about the different capacity and that it can only hold 2gb. Why was it advertised as 4gb?!
[26/06/2008 17:56:16] luckytrade says: sorry about this, if you need a real 4gb item, i can replace you one
[26/06/2008 17:56:32] davidharryprosser says: how can i be sure that it will really be 4gb?
[26/06/2008 17:57:22] luckytrade says: i promise, i dont want a negative feedback as a seller, you know,right??
[26/06/2008 17:57:36] luckytrade says: so, dont worry about this, i will replace you a real one
[26/06/2008 17:57:43] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 17:58:22] davidharryprosser says: i am also concerned as i have bought several other items from you, including three 4GB touch screen media players. Are these also just 2GB???
[26/06/2008 17:58:56] luckytrade says: no. the touch screen is the real item
[26/06/2008 17:59:01] luckytrade says: dont worry
[26/06/2008 17:59:16] luckytrade says: the memory is true

THEN THE TRUTH COMES OUT….

[26/06/2008 18:00:12] davidharryprosser says: thankyou for telling me this, but why were some of your items advertised as 4gb when they are realy 2gb. Why did you lie?
[26/06/2008 18:00:38] luckytrade says: if you were here, you will know why i do this
[26/06/2008 18:01:14] luckytrade says: that is because if i made it a real item, then i will lose money on every transaction
[26/06/2008 18:01:27] luckytrade says: so as a seller,may i ask you some understanding?
[26/06/2008 18:04:59] luckytrade says: ????
[26/06/2008 18:05:57] luckytrade says: so,may i ask you to send that one back to me so that i can replace you a real one??
[26/06/2008 18:25:47] davidharryprosser says: i was just away i am back now
[26/06/2008 18:26:23] davidharryprosser says: ok i understand why you advertise your items different but don’t you think it is unfair for your customers?
[26/06/2008 18:27:35] luckytrade says: yes,i know, but sorry,i have no choice, just like you,if my customers find this problem,then i will be honest to them, i will replace them a true one
[26/06/2008 18:27:50] davidharryprosser says: ok ok thankyou for saying this
[26/06/2008 18:27:52] luckytrade says: really feel shame about this, so i promise will replace them a real one
[26/06/2008 18:28:26] davidharryprosser says: and the real one will have 4gb?@
[26/06/2008 18:28:46] luckytrade says: yes
[26/06/2008 18:28:52] davidharryprosser says: ok

AND THE REST OF THE CONVERSATION…

[26/06/2008 18:29:40] luckytrade says: so may i ask you to send that one back?
[26/06/2008 18:29:49] davidharryprosser says: ok i think i will
[26/06/2008 18:29:59] davidharryprosser says: what about the slim 4gb one i bought
[26/06/2008 18:30:10] davidharryprosser says: this is the link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110262583843&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=001
[26/06/2008 18:30:28] davidharryprosser says: is it also only 2gb instead of 4gb
[26/06/2008 18:30:40] luckytrade says: well, if it works properly,then i think the best idea is to do the partial refund, what do you think??
[26/06/2008 18:31:03] luckytrade says: it is really happy to talk with you, because you understand me, really appreciated
[26/06/2008 18:31:47] davidharryprosser says: i have not tried the slim one to see if it works yet, but i am asking for your honesty. Is it really 4gb or is it 2gb?
[26/06/2008 18:32:49] luckytrade says: not a real one, just the touch screen is the real one
[26/06/2008 18:33:41] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 18:34:02] davidharryprosser says: also i am sad to say the the touch screen i bought did not come with a manual or software CD like the other items
[26/06/2008 18:34:10] davidharryprosser says: is it supposed to come with a manual and cd?
[26/06/2008 18:34:46] luckytrade says: sure
[26/06/2008 18:35:04] davidharryprosser says: so
[26/06/2008 18:35:17] davidharryprosser says: can you send a manual?
[26/06/2008 18:36:12] fantasticbid008 says: it will be sent with the item together
[26/06/2008 18:36:23] fantasticbid008 says: do you need an extra manual??
[26/06/2008 18:36:43] davidharryprosser says: yes because the touch screen did not come with a manual and cd
[26/06/2008 18:36:57] davidharryprosser says: so when i send back mine, can you send me an extra manual
[26/06/2008 18:37:46] fantasticbid008 says: well, that is fine, i will send them to you with the real one, but may i ask you to send me an email tomorrow?? let me know this situation so that i can arrange the right thing asap
[26/06/2008 18:39:44] davidharryprosser says: so i will send back the 2 chocolates that i have and the slim one, and you promise you will send me these three items with the real memory and an extra manual.
[26/06/2008 18:40:20] fantasticbid008 says: ok, you pay for them back, and then i pay for them come, ok?
[26/06/2008 18:41:58] fantasticbid008 says: and, can we do the business out of ebay?? because you know the ebay fees is really high, if we can do business out of ebay,then i think it is better, you can pay directly by paypal, what do you think??
[26/06/2008 18:42:13] fantasticbid008 says: i will give you a best price for what you want,ok?
[26/06/2008 18:42:41] davidharryprosser says: ok i am more happy now!
[26/06/2008 18:43:25] davidharryprosser says: what about if i need to buy more items from you, how will i know that they will have real memory and not fake.
[26/06/2008 18:44:07] fantasticbid008 says: well, if you need the real memory,then the price will be a little higher than the fake one, i hope you can accept this,right??
[26/06/2008 18:44:49] fantasticbid008 says: and i want to know if you want the items from me, which do you want? the fake one or real one??
[26/06/2008 18:46:13] davidharryprosser says: well the price i paid on the items i bought must have been over-priced already, so why should i have to pay more. Also, i know that you buy them in for your company at a very small price, so i think that i should not have to pay more
[26/06/2008 18:46:19] davidharryprosser says: and yes i do want the real ones!
[26/06/2008 18:46:50] fantasticbid008 says: so do you mean you dont want to pay for them back??
[26/06/2008 18:47:38] davidharryprosser says: i would prefer not to. and i don’t think it is right that i have to pay more to get the real memory.
[26/06/2008 18:48:14] fantasticbid008 says: but it is very cleared that buyer have to pay all freight if it needs to send it back in the description
[26/06/2008 18:48:49] fantasticbid008 says: and you know, i am honest, i think you pay some postage for them back, but you still can get the real items for little money, you profit
[26/06/2008 18:49:59] fantasticbid008 says: and i just want that we can do business together in the near future, i am credit
[26/06/2008 18:50:09] davidharryprosser says: ok i will pay for the postage to send back to you
[26/06/2008 18:50:10] fantasticbid008 says: you win, then i win
[26/06/2008 18:50:37] davidharryprosser says: but can we do future business out of ebay to avoid high fees?
[26/06/2008 18:50:47] davidharryprosser says: and i can talk to you on here or email about future order
[26/06/2008 18:51:17] fantasticbid008 says: please talk to me here, it is more convinence, if i am not here, just leave me message here, ok??
[26/06/2008 18:51:25] fantasticbid008 says: i think it is better than the email
[26/06/2008 18:52:15] fantasticbid008 says: we recommend the business out of ebay, it is good for you and me, i think
[26/06/2008 18:52:20] davidharryprosser says: ok i am MUCH more happy doing business on here as i know you are there
[26/06/2008 18:52:56] davidharryprosser says: as long as you PROMISE to supply me with real goods with real memory, and not fakes, or i will leave you with negative feedback on the items i bought off you on ebay
[26/06/2008 18:53:33] fantasticbid008 says: right, i can promise, but for the future business, i hope we can deal out of ebay, ok??
[26/06/2008 18:53:56] fantasticbid008 says: and i have to tell you that the price of the real item must be a littler higher than the fake
[26/06/2008 18:54:00] fantasticbid008 says: is this ok??
[26/06/2008 18:54:07] davidharryprosser says: how much higher
[26/06/2008 18:54:14] davidharryprosser says: your company gets them very cheap
[26/06/2008 18:54:39] fantasticbid008 says: you can see the quality is excellent
[26/06/2008 18:54:47] davidharryprosser says: is £22 free postage on the 4gb touch screen ok??
[26/06/2008 18:55:09] fantasticbid008 says: the price depends on how large of your order one time
[26/06/2008 18:55:49] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 18:55:56] fantasticbid008 says: so you also is a seller,right??
[26/06/2008 18:56:00] davidharryprosser says: yes
[26/06/2008 18:56:07] davidharryprosser says: i sell this item to people in the UK
[26/06/2008 18:56:15] fantasticbid008 says: sorry for my english~~ (blush)
[26/06/2008 18:56:19] davidharryprosser says: its ok
[26/06/2008 18:56:31] davidharryprosser says: do you use a translator or do you speak englush yourself>?
[26/06/2008 18:56:41] fantasticbid008 says: i speak
[26/06/2008 18:56:46] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 18:57:22] davidharryprosser says: also, your touch screen item listing on ebay says “USB 2.0 high speed”, yet when i transfer data to it, it is USB 1.1 speed
[26/06/2008 18:57:55] fantasticbid008 says: is it?? well, i will ask my partner to check it again
[26/06/2008 18:58:05] fantasticbid008 says: thanks for telling me this, it values
[26/06/2008 18:58:29] fantasticbid008 says: so, how many items you will order one time??
[26/06/2008 18:58:43] fantasticbid008 says: do you always buy goods from China?
[26/06/2008 18:59:16] davidharryprosser says: as i am still a small business that is growing, i make orders of 2 to 5 items at a time, but in the future, i may take orders of 10 to 20 items a time
[26/06/2008 19:00:33] fantasticbid008 says: fine, i am happy to supply what you want
[26/06/2008 19:01:20] fantasticbid008 says: so if you need more next time,just tell me here, we discuss the price, then pay it
[26/06/2008 19:01:23] fantasticbid008 says: ok??
[26/06/2008 19:01:34] fantasticbid008 says: this way can save your time and money,right??
[26/06/2008 19:01:52] davidharryprosser says: yes
[26/06/2008 19:02:12] fantasticbid008 says: and also mine
[26/06/2008 19:02:32] davidharryprosser says: but would £40 be ok for two of the real 4gb touch screens, just so i know
[26/06/2008 19:02:48] fantasticbid008 says: no
[26/06/2008 19:03:05] fantasticbid008 says: the touch screen is a little expensive
[26/06/2008 19:03:31] fantasticbid008 says: i need at least £44.5 for two
[26/06/2008 19:05:00] davidharryprosser says: ok how about £45 postage included, like the ebay items
[26/06/2008 19:05:48] fantasticbid008 says: well, can you pay the paypal transaction fees?? that is 3.5%
[26/06/2008 19:06:04] fantasticbid008 says: most of my customers can do this for me
[26/06/2008 19:06:36] davidharryprosser says: so that equals 46.58 for two of the touch screens, postage inlcuded
[26/06/2008 19:07:10] fantasticbid008 says: right
[26/06/2008 19:07:17] davidharryprosser says: that is good!
[26/06/2008 19:07:44] davidharryprosser says: so may i ask, do you have different items in stock, one stock of fake memory, and one of real?
[26/06/2008 19:08:09] fantasticbid008 says: yes
[26/06/2008 19:08:17] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 19:08:34] fantasticbid008 says: so if you place your order, you need the real one,right??
[26/06/2008 19:08:45] davidharryprosser says: yes, that is for sure
[26/06/2008 19:09:03] davidharryprosser says: if i dont recieve the real memory, i will not be very happy at all, and will not buy off you
[26/06/2008 19:09:13] davidharryprosser says: so you need to send the real memory
[26/06/2008 19:09:34] fantasticbid008 says: i understand, dont worry about this, i dont want to loss you this customer
[26/06/2008 19:10:20] fantasticbid008 says: so how many do you want now??
[26/06/2008 19:11:03] fantasticbid008 says: i think there is a large market in your country
[26/06/2008 19:11:12] davidharryprosser says: hang on can i come back in a minute? i need to check stock
[26/06/2008 19:11:25] fantasticbid008 says: fine, i will wait
[26/06/2008 19:11:29] davidharryprosser says: thanks
[26/06/2008 19:11:38] fantasticbid008 says:
[26/06/2008 19:13:12] davidharryprosser says: ok stock is ok for today, but i need to replace the fake items
[26/06/2008 19:13:55] davidharryprosser says: to make sure that you will send the real ones, and not just keep the ones i send back, could you possibly send the items to me first or do i have to send them to you first>?
[26/06/2008 19:14:42] fantasticbid008 says: sorry, i am afraid that you have to send them back first,this is our company’s principle
[26/06/2008 19:14:58] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 19:15:00] fantasticbid008 says: once you show me the receipt of posting,then i will send them to you immediatelyt
[26/06/2008 19:15:10] davidharryprosser says: ok that is good
[26/06/2008 19:15:51] fantasticbid008 says: so,may i ask you to send me a message to my email address?? so that i can solve this problem for you asap
[26/06/2008 19:16:18] fantasticbid008 says: but it is ok, after you ship them back, just let me know
[26/06/2008 19:16:27] fantasticbid008 says: show me the receipt
[26/06/2008 19:18:58] davidharryprosser says: what do you mean receipt?
[26/06/2008 19:19:48] fantasticbid008 says: the receipt of posting
[26/06/2008 19:20:15] davidharryprosser says: do you mean the label on the envelope?
[26/06/2008 19:20:37] fantasticbid008 says: no, after you send them back, you will get a proof from post, that is it
[26/06/2008 19:20:47] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 19:20:59] fantasticbid008 says: or give me the tracking number also is ok
[26/06/2008 19:22:09] fantasticbid008 says: well, i have to go now, if anything more, please leave me message here, i will reply you on time
[26/06/2008 19:23:22] davidharryprosser says: ok i can tell you also that i have the touch screen infront of me, and it is occasionaly saying format error….
[26/06/2008 19:23:50] fantasticbid008 says: the music or video??
[26/06/2008 19:24:00] davidharryprosser says: music
[26/06/2008 19:24:27] fantasticbid008 says: well, try the reset button
[26/06/2008 19:24:54] fantasticbid008 says: delete that song
[26/06/2008 19:25:03] davidharryprosser says: why delete?
[26/06/2008 19:25:13] fantasticbid008 says: keep every song is the mp3 format
[26/06/2008 19:25:24] fantasticbid008 says: because that one couldnt play in the mp4
[26/06/2008 19:25:54] fantasticbid008 says: so delete it, and download another one in it
[26/06/2008 19:26:52] davidharryprosser says: ok ill try
[26/06/2008 19:27:03] davidharryprosser says: do you know what time you will next be on skype?
[26/06/2008 19:27:03] fantasticbid008 says: see you
[26/06/2008 19:27:33] fantasticbid008 says: i will here in your morning and after
[26/06/2008 19:27:48] davidharryprosser says: what time is that?
[26/06/2008 19:28:08] fantasticbid008 says: now it is 2.30a.m here
[26/06/2008 19:28:18] fantasticbid008 says: i have to sleep now
[26/06/2008 19:28:23] davidharryprosser says: what time will you be on skype?
[26/06/2008 19:28:58] fantasticbid008 says: i think it is the morning in your country when i am here
[26/06/2008 19:29:30] fantasticbid008 says: that is 10 a.m here when i am on skype
[26/06/2008 19:29:36] davidharryprosser says: ok thankyou
[26/06/2008 19:30:00] davidharryprosser says: also i will let you know that the touch screen cannot play .WAV files it says format error
[26/06/2008 19:30:15] davidharryprosser says: we will have to talk later but i keep findnig these little problems
[26/06/2008 19:30:50] fantasticbid008 says: thanks, i will tell this to my technian
[26/06/2008 19:31:20] davidharryprosser says: also i am confused as to what to do with the CD, as there are lots of folders and files i dont know what to do!
[26/06/2008 19:31:36] davidharryprosser says: but thanks for talking now we will talk soon! bye! get some sleep
[26/06/2008 19:32:03] fantasticbid008 says: (wave)
[26/06/2008 19:38:11] davidharryprosser says: when you said 10am
[26/06/2008 19:38:26] davidharryprosser says: did you mean 10am england time or 10am china time?
[26/06/2008 19:39:04] fantasticbid008 says: china time,is this ok??
[26/06/2008 19:39:48] davidharryprosser says: yep thats fine, it is 3AM in england when its 10am in china, i just worked it out
[26/06/2008 19:40:30] fantasticbid008 says: woo~~what about we fix another time?? 15.30 pm in china
[26/06/2008 19:40:33] fantasticbid008 says: ok?
[26/06/2008 19:41:06] davidharryprosser says: sorry i cant do then
[26/06/2008 19:41:28] fantasticbid008 says: so let me know which time is ok for you
[26/06/2008 19:41:41] davidharryprosser says: on week days i can do anytime after 10pm china time
[26/06/2008 19:42:22] davidharryprosser says: and on saturdays anytime after 5pm china time
[26/06/2008 19:42:39] davidharryprosser says: so i can mainly do after 10pm china time – is that ok?
[26/06/2008 19:42:51] fantasticbid008 says: that is fine
[26/06/2008 19:42:58] fantasticbid008 says: i will be here after 10pm
[26/06/2008 19:43:06] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 19:43:25] davidharryprosser says: thankyou and goodbye- please sort out the .WAV and usb1.1 issues!
[26/06/2008 19:43:40] fantasticbid008 says: (handshake) (wave)
[26/06/2008 19:43:59] davidharryprosser says: (wave)
[26/06/2008 19:44:06] davidharryprosser says: (y)
[26/06/2008 19:44:26] fantasticbid008 says: (y)
[26/06/2008 19:44:40] davidharryprosser says: and also what files to use on the CD
[26/06/2008 19:47:18] davidharryprosser says: sorry to keep saying
[26/06/2008 19:47:27] davidharryprosser says: but do you sell item like this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260252154213&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=016
[26/06/2008 19:49:03] fantasticbid008 says: sure, we have this kind of item
[26/06/2008 19:49:45] fantasticbid008 says: but if you need, you have to order at least 10 to 15 pcs at one time
[26/06/2008 19:49:56] davidharryprosser says: that is a lot! but i will consider
[26/06/2008 19:50:12] davidharryprosser says: ok you should go now or i will keep asking questions!

[26/06/2008 19:50:25] fantasticbid008 says: this is the smallest amount my customers place their order
[26/06/2008 19:50:30] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 19:50:51] fantasticbid008 says: you are questionnair
[26/06/2008 19:51:02] fantasticbid008 says: but it is ok, i am happy to answer you
[26/06/2008 19:51:49] davidharryprosser says: ok
[26/06/2008 20:03:02] davidharryprosser says: are you still there?
[26/06/2008 20:04:49] davidharryprosser says: ???hello
[26/06/2008 20:06:47] davidharryprosser says: are you there?
[26/06/2008 21:30:17] davidharryprosser says: hello?
[27/06/2008 11:40:44] davidharryprosser says: hi
[27/06/2008 11:41:06] davidharryprosser says: are you there today?
[27/06/2008 11:43:53] davidharryprosser says: i need to talk to you some time i have a new plan
[27/06/2008 14:07:46] davidharryprosser says: hello
[27/06/2008 14:10:24] davidharryprosser says: you are there?
[27/06/2008 14:17:32] fantasticbid008 says: yes
[27/06/2008 14:17:41] fantasticbid008 says: hi,my friend, i am here now
[27/06/2008 14:17:50] davidharryprosser says: did you get my email?
[27/06/2008 14:17:58] fantasticbid008 says: not yet
[27/06/2008 14:18:04] fantasticbid008 says: what is your new plan??
[27/06/2008 14:18:07] davidharryprosser says: ok
[27/06/2008 14:19:07] davidharryprosser says: i said that you should send me the replacement products before i send mine back, so i know you won’t keep them. If you do not want to do this i can simply report ou to ebay for selling faulty items
[27/06/2008 14:19:24] davidharryprosser says: if you send me good real replacements, i wont need to report you
[27/06/2008 14:19:31] davidharryprosser says: i hope you understand
[27/06/2008 14:19:44] fantasticbid008 says: but last time you agree to send them back first!!
[27/06/2008 14:19:49] fantasticbid008 says: why now??
[27/06/2008 14:19:53] davidharryprosser says: i did not agree
[27/06/2008 14:20:09] davidharryprosser says: i said maybe because i was unsure
[27/06/2008 14:20:48] davidharryprosser says: i am sorry for the inconvenience, but it is actually your fault, so can you send them?

THE FINALÉ!

[27/06/2008 14:21:15] fantasticbid008 says: oh~~~GOD!! i am not really happy
[27/06/2008 14:21:53] fantasticbid008 says: i am an seller on ebay, why i should keep your items and get some negative feedback from ??
[27/06/2008 14:22:01] fantasticbid008 says: you?
[27/06/2008 14:22:08] fantasticbid008 says: it is not deserve
[27/06/2008 14:22:41] fantasticbid008 says: and you know,our transaction is based on the trust!!
[27/06/2008 14:22:55] davidharryprosser says: i know! but you have sold faulty goods
[27/06/2008 14:23:04] fantasticbid008 says: if you dont trust me, then you shouldnt buy anything from ebay!!
[27/06/2008 14:23:09] davidharryprosser says: you have to trust me that if you send the real goods first, then i will send back mine
[27/06/2008 14:23:37] fantasticbid008 says: but the principle is that you shoule send them back first!!! do you understand???
[27/06/2008 14:24:17] fantasticbid008 says: because i couldnt get any help from ebay for our transaction, but you can, you can report me, give me negative feedback!!!
[27/06/2008 14:24:22] fantasticbid008 says: but i couldnt~~
[27/06/2008 14:24:42] fantasticbid008 says: so will need you to send them back first, i wont cheated you, i am honest!!!
[27/06/2008 14:25:05] fantasticbid008 says: if i would like to lie to you, then i wont change them for you, do you understand??
[27/06/2008 14:25:20] fantasticbid008 says: at least i wont tell you that is a fake item
[27/06/2008 14:26:00] fantasticbid008 says:
[27/06/2008 14:26:11] davidharryprosser says: i appreciate your situation
[27/06/2008 14:26:26] davidharryprosser says: but you just said “i am honest!!”, yet you sell fake goods…
[27/06/2008 14:26:46] fantasticbid008 says: well,i have no choice
[27/06/2008 14:26:52] fantasticbid008 says: if you were me, what will you do??
[27/06/2008 14:27:16] davidharryprosser says: well for to start i would not sell fake goods
[27/06/2008 14:27:46] fantasticbid008 says: if you were me,then you wont earn any money from these transaction
[27/06/2008 14:27:49] fantasticbid008 says: i am sure
[27/06/2008 14:27:58] davidharryprosser says: let me ask you this
[27/06/2008 14:28:14] davidharryprosser says: how much do you make these devices for, or how much do you buy them in for?
[27/06/2008 14:28:30] fantasticbid008 says: this is our secret
[27/06/2008 14:28:43] davidharryprosser says: well then i cannot tell if you can make money
[27/06/2008 14:28:53] fantasticbid008 says: but if i can earn any money from the real items, then i wont do this any more
[27/06/2008 14:28:57] fantasticbid008 says: i promise
[27/06/2008 14:29:20] davidharryprosser says: i think it would be a good idea for you to sell the real items
[27/06/2008 14:29:22] davidharryprosser says: but for now
[27/06/2008 14:29:35] fantasticbid008 says: this is not my will, i can change nothing
[27/06/2008 14:30:04] davidharryprosser says: do you not own the company?
[27/06/2008 14:30:27] fantasticbid008 says: ok, sure, i own the company, but i mean the market, the selling market!
[27/06/2008 14:30:31] fantasticbid008 says: not just one company
[27/06/2008 14:30:45] davidharryprosser says: how many companies do you own?!
[27/06/2008 14:31:04] fantasticbid008 says: dont out of our point
[27/06/2008 14:31:15] davidharryprosser says: ok
[27/06/2008 14:31:46] davidharryprosser says: you must understand i am not happy – how would you feel if you bought one that had fake memory!
[27/06/2008 14:32:14] fantasticbid008 says: well, i promise i will exchange them for you, what do you want else??
[27/06/2008 14:32:39] davidharryprosser says: can you send the items first, that is what i am honestly asking
[27/06/2008 14:33:22] fantasticbid008 says: you kick me a hard ball!! i know i can do that for you, but i dont want this exception
[27/06/2008 14:33:43] fantasticbid008 says: all of my customers have to send them back frist, then we replace for them
[27/06/2008 14:33:48] fantasticbid008 says: why you??
[27/06/2008 14:34:13] davidharryprosser says: because i dont know if i can be sure that the replacement iems will be real
[27/06/2008 14:34:33] davidharryprosser says: anyway, nobody else needs to know about this exception
[27/06/2008 14:34:52] fantasticbid008 says: do you think i will send you the fake again, and then get several negative feedback from you??
[27/06/2008 14:35:18] fantasticbid008 says: and get a report letter from ebay??
[27/06/2008 14:35:49] fantasticbid008 says: do you think it value?? i am not a stupid seller~~
[27/06/2008 14:36:34] fantasticbid008 says: i just dont understand why you couldnt trust me!! that is really unbelievable!!!
[27/06/2008 14:36:59] davidharryprosser says: i may trust you, i just find it difficult as you lied in the first place
[27/06/2008 14:37:12] fantasticbid008 says: once you decied to buy from me, you have to trust me first, do you understand this??
[27/06/2008 14:37:44] fantasticbid008 says: to be honest, as we discuss last time, i really trust you, but now, i afraid not really
[27/06/2008 14:40:15] davidharryprosser says: i will trust from you and buy from you again if you send ONE, just ONE of the items to me, a real, just so i know, then i will send back others and get the real items. If you can do this, i will buy from you again and give you business, if not, ebay is told
[27/06/2008 14:41:09] fantasticbid008 says: well, thanks for trying to solve the problem
[27/06/2008 14:41:40] davidharryprosser says: what do you mean?
[27/06/2008 14:41:53] fantasticbid008 says: i agree what you said
[27/06/2008 14:42:09] fantasticbid008 says: let me know your address,i will send you a real one
[27/06/2008 14:42:11] fantasticbid008 says: asap
[27/06/2008 14:42:21] davidharryprosser says: which type of device?
[27/06/2008 14:42:33] fantasticbid008 says: depends on you, which one do you want?
[27/06/2008 14:43:17] davidharryprosser says: the chocolate is ok?
[27/06/2008 14:43:33] fantasticbid008 says: ok
[27/06/2008 14:43:47] davidharryprosser says: i give you my address now?
[27/06/2008 14:44:13] fantasticbid008 says: email me, i will arrange you one soon
[27/06/2008 14:44:25] davidharryprosser says: can i email now
[27/06/2008 14:44:43] fantasticbid008 says: ok, we will deal with it in 24 hours
[27/06/2008 14:44:59] davidharryprosser says: what shall i put in email?
[27/06/2008 14:45:45] fantasticbid008 says: just tell me that you need me to send you a real chocolate mp3 first, and then you will send that 3 back, ok??
[27/06/2008 14:48:44] davidharryprosser says: my stock man asked me if its possible to get one of the slim ones instead?
[27/06/2008 14:48:52] davidharryprosser says: i can put that in email?
[27/06/2008 14:49:01] fantasticbid008 says: that is fine
[27/06/2008 14:49:29] davidharryprosser says: i will send mine back once i receive, ok?
[27/06/2008 14:49:53] fantasticbid008 says: ok
[27/06/2008 14:50:29] davidharryprosser says: ok thanks so much for your understand
[27/06/2008 14:50:32] davidharryprosser says: i will send email
[27/06/2008 14:51:24] fantasticbid008 says: hope this wont happen anymore, it really make me upset
[27/06/2008 14:51:41] davidharryprosser says: ok i thank you for your co-operation
[27/06/2008 14:51:55] davidharryprosser says: next time, lets hope it doesnt hapen again!
[27/06/2008 14:52:15] fantasticbid008 says: so what is your next order??
[27/06/2008 14:52:43] davidharryprosser says: that will come in time
[27/06/2008 14:52:58] davidharryprosser says: for the moment, my customers are waiting for your replacements
[27/06/2008 14:53:03] davidharryprosser says: im sending the email now
[27/06/2008 14:53:13] fantasticbid008 says: ok (handshake)
[27/06/2008 14:53:30] davidharryprosser says: (handshake)thanks for the business
[27/06/2008 14:53:39] davidharryprosser says: may i ask what time it is there?
[27/06/2008 14:53:53] fantasticbid008 says: it is 21.55pm
[27/06/2008 14:53:57] davidharryprosser says: ok
[27/06/2008 14:54:12] fantasticbid008 says: so what time is it in your country now?
[27/06/2008 14:54:37] davidharryprosser says: it is 14:54, so it is almost midnight there?
[27/06/2008 14:54:48] fantasticbid008 says: yes
[27/06/2008 14:55:22] fantasticbid008 says: i have to go now, if anything more, please leave me a message here
[27/06/2008 14:55:36] fantasticbid008 says:
[27/06/2008 14:55:59] davidharryprosser says: ok bye
[27/06/2008 14:57:54] davidharryprosser says: why do you go early tonight
[27/06/2008 16:53:32] davidharryprosser says: i have sent you the email
[11:29:39] davidharryprosser says: did you get my email?
[11:31:11] fantasticbid008 says: yes
[11:31:36] davidharryprosser says: ok thanks
[11:32:04] davidharryprosser says: so as soon as i recieve this item and i know it is real, i will send back the other to be replaced ok?
[11:34:02] fantasticbid008 says: ok
[11:36:10] davidharryprosser says: can i just send back the item in its packaging, without accessories?
[11:37:19] fantasticbid008 says:

There we go – the whole lot! You can post it on the site if you like or do whatever, I just thought I’d send it.

Dave

The FrankenFlash Project thanks Dave for his contribution and sharing with everyone.

Comments anyone?

PayPal Harassing eBay Members Filing Disputes Against eBay Sellers of Fake MP Players, Memory Cards, USB Flash Drives

SOSFakeFlash reports ebay members discovering mp players, memory cards or usb flash drives are fake – false capacity and file a dispute, are being harassed by PayPal. This is not new.

Over the last 15 months, SOSFakeFlash has observed PayPal use many different tactics to avoid living up to their promise of buyer protection. The latest tactic is to demand buyers submit documentation to support their claim the item is not “authentic”. What should you do?

Victims of fraudulent sellers on eBay for these devices frequently submit the output of a testing software H2testw, to support having been sold a fake capacity item. This is a usb flash drive, mp player or memory card digitally altered to report a much higher capacity than the nand storage flash chip is in size. Through software manipulation a 4GB chip can appear to be 16GB or even 500GB. For usb flash drives and memory cards this is deadly – the moment the true capacity is exceeded all files and data are lost. Only information about the file is written to a contents table and so “appear” to exist. When a person attempts to access these files, error messages result and the file can not be retrieved. This is to be expected since the files were never transferred to the device in the first place, there was no place to put them once the true capacity was exceeded. In many cases not only is the device a “fake” but also a counterfeit using famous brand names.

The latest ploy to avoid refunding frauded buyers is force buyers to have the items appraised. Oddly MP Players, usb flash drives and memory cards are not works of art, nor are they gemstones. Detection is achieved by running the software program H2testw, written specifically to test the true capacity and state of flash storage chips.

Paypal is refusing this evidence and buyers receive responses such as:

To continue with the investigation of your complaint, we must request documentation to support your claim that the item is not authentic. Please obtain a document from an unbiased, third-party, such as a dealer, appraiser, or an organization that is qualified in the area of the item in question (other than yourself), which clearly identifies the item as not authentic. The document must specifically state how the item received differs from an authentic item and must include a detailed explanation of how the person evaluating the item determined that it is not authentic. If possible, the document should include a serial number, and must be on letterhead that includes the name, address, and phone number of the business or organization so that PayPal may contact them if necessary.

The documents should be faxed to PayPal at (402) 537-5760 (please note this is a United States phone number, if you are faxing from outside the United States, you will generally need to dial 00 1 before the number). Please include a cover sheet with your fax that includes the email address registered on your PayPal account and the ID number of your claim (PP-695-063-079), so we may attach the documents to your claim as quickly as possible.

We must receive your fax by June 12, 2009 in order to proceed with the investigation of your claim. If we do not receive your fax by June 12, 2009, your claim will be canceled. We are unable to grant extensions to this time period. Please note that PayPal is unable to reimburse you for any costs or fees that may be incurred in obtaining the requested documents. Any documents you provide may also be supplied to the seller in your dispute if necessary.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience. We regret any inconvenience this request may cause.

Sincerely,
Lori
Protection Services Department
PayPal, an eBay Company

SOSFakeFlash has seen these robotic email template responses in the past.

Disputes are increasing at PayPal and they are feeling the heat.

As they do not wish to lose their fees this is the newest road block to try and get you to give up and go away.

What should you do?

1. If you paid by credit card, call your credit card to do a reversal. For many this is the fastest way to get a refund. It has a double sting. Paypal loses it’s fees, the fake flash seller also loses the money and is stuck with fees from ebay and paypal.

2. If you have a friend in the computer field who works in an IT company, get them to write you a letter with the information required above and fax it in.

3. f you have a friendly computer store, visit them and tell them your story. How you were frauded on eBay and show them the documentation that PayPal is holding your funds to ransom. Take your device along and if you have the output from H2testw show them that as well. Many local stores have been happy to write a short letter stating the item was a fake and false capacity. After all these fraudsters on eBay are damaging their local business. Many will be sympathetic realizing that you have learned a hard lesson. It is good customer relations too. Having learned your lesson, you are now likely to buy locally and stay away from any further eBay purchases or dealing with PayPal again.

4. If you have a brand name counterfeit contact the company. Call or email and present your evidence and send that in to PayPal. You can also visit a local store that sells the real items and have them state yours is definitely a counterfeit as they compare against the real items.

5. You can also try to call PayPal directly to take some sense into them. See PayPal Telephone Numbers – eBay Fake Flash USB Flash Drives, MP Players Memory Cards. SOSFakeFlash is hoping more telephone numbers and email addresses will be added as comments to that article by victims over time.

SOSFakeFlash advises victims to read PayPal How Long Do You Have To Claim For A Refund In Disputes? A Guide About PayPal From eBayer’s Experiences.

You will find a great deal of information on PayPal and PayPal behavior. SOSFakeFlash can not counsel each victim individually with Paypal issues. We would like too, but there are just too many of you! That is why we wrote so many articles and collected information to help you. You can leave information on posts and help each other with your claims by responding to each others comments.

There is one observation that we have, people who will NOT give up and who continue to fight PayPal and refuse to let the matter rest are the ones most likely to get a refund. This fraud has being going on for a long time. eBay fake flash sellers, and eBay try to hide under PayPal’s skirts. PayPal will try to ensure that you do not receive buyer protection – it means they loose money. They are in the business of making money, not loosing it.

It this bothers you or is against your principals – fight back!

naffy23k eBay Fake Flash Seller vs H2testw and eBay Victims

eBay fake flash sellers are crafty and naffy23k is no exception. These sellers will do anything to continue deceiving to sell false capacity items to eBay members. The profit is addicting, the harm done to buyer data files horrific. SOSFakeFlash, in the new consumer education series mentioned price is a good indicator of fakes, but not always. When it comes to brand names such as Kingston or Sony, the selling price can be as high as 80% to 90% of what you might find at your local retail store. The perfect trap!

naffy23k illustrates the problem on eBay. No innocent, naffy23k has been classified as devious by SOSFakeFlash selling counterfeit and false capacity USB Kingston flash memory pen drives. If you bought anything from this seller you must test. Report to SOSFakeFlash immediately using the report a fake tab.

Why has naffy23k been chosen for the consumer education series? You are going to find it hard to believe what naffy23k has said and done!

naffy23k has claimed the program H2testw 1.4 is Fake! Not his usb flash drives.

What did the eBay member buy?

This drive now discontinued by Kingston, is a 2GB flash drive well known to the Frankenflash Project.

naffy23k replied to the buyer:

Reply by naffy23k (Apr-29-09 15:01):
Buyer lost paypal claim! Item is 32GB and not fake! h2testw is a fake program!

h2testw is a fake programme? See H2testw 1.4 – Gold Standard In Detecting USB Counterfeit Drives

Now what would be “fake” about H2testw written by Harald Bögeholz? It is one of the most downloaded programmes on the internet to test the capacity of flash chips. Do you think anyone would spend so much time developing such a programme, improving it over the years if it was useless? While copyrighted, it is offered to people for free. Why? As a public service, the problem of digitally altering flash chips to lie about their real size is that bad. German attention to detail and precision is legendary. Offering an English interface shows consideration and willingness to share.

SOSFakeFlash and victims have confirmed the results of output many times. How? Take apart the fake flash device and decode the flash drive chip used against the manufacturer’s size specifications. See: Flash Chip Storage

So would this mean that eBay fake flash seller naffy23k is simply ignorant of technology and does not have a clue about the product he is selling?

Consider this, the auction showed was public. Just click on naffy23k’s Feedback and at the moment you can still see the item as it is in the 60 day listing window.

naffy23k is puffed up stating that the buyer lost their PayPal claim. It would be more accurate to say that the buyer either refused to return the counterfeit or was worn down by PayPal’s robotic emailers. A lot of buyers are unaware that they can reopen cases or email and telephone PayPal until they wake up. The fact is, victims who walk away with refunds are those who simply will not give up!

naffy23k protested that the item was really 32GB. Why then did this seller switch to private auction listings? A seller confident in his product will not to try to hide what he is selling in feedback. Read:

eBay Private Auction Listings – eBay Fake Flash Sellers Prefer – Victims Learn The Meaning The Hard Way – A Guide

naffy23k knew very well he had a problem but was determined to dump his stock and continue selling. There was only one way he could do this. Hide the truth. Unfortunately all this will do is delay detection. It does not stop the facts from coming out. naffy23k has sold many using multiple item stock listings. Just how many victims are there? The project with the help of eBay members, patrols and seeks out sellers like naffy23k and we wait….

Well does naffy23k sell true capacity now? No he does not. We have just received confirmation from another victim of fake flash seller naffy23k for a different Kingston USB flash drive.

naffy23k has been busy selling Kingston DataTraveler DT120 32GB usb flash drives. What do you see here?

Private Auctions!

So what is the real capacity of this usb flash drive? 512MB, not 32GB! We aren’t publishing the output from H2testw 1.4 here – SOSFakeFlash wants you to do your own testing on this drive!

As the time of this articles release, naffy23k isn’t listing. The auction ended early with still two more fake flash drives to sell! Obviously naffy23k knows something is up.

Every eBay listing shows this:

Does it mean anything? To a lot of eBay fake flash victims it means little. Now will eBay hold the seller to “assume” responsibility for the listing? Will eBay force this seller to refund all buyers?

The listing also shows this:

Does this mean anything? Well the FrankenFlash Project will tell you victims have something to say about this but it is not fit for print. It is spin. A lie. It is on listing pages to give a false sense of security for would be buyers. The true reality only presents itself when you discover you have bought a false capacity item. SOSFakeFlash has published: PayPal How Long Do You Have To Claim For A Refund In Disputes? A Guide About PayPal From eBayer’s Experiences. to help people deal with Paypal. It has a wealth of information to assist you and many reference articles for you consult.

Victims of naffy23k need to test their usb flash drives quickly. What is going to happen to fake flash seller naffy23k? An interesting question. Shortly, this seller will be on the fake flash sellers list when the new update goes out. naffy23k will be there to stay.

There are other fake flash sellers who tried to hide what they were up to. guruelectronics was one reported in: Investigation On Seller Using eBay Id guruelectronics Continues At SOSFakeFlash That story had a happy ending, guruelectronics was booted – to eBay fake flash prison and so far has not dared to return.

eBay is NOT a safe place to buy usb flash penstick drives, memory cards or MP players. Right now, brand names are under attack. Kingston is receiving the brunt of it. Do not buy any Kingston usb flash drives on eBay right now – it is infested with counterfeits and fake capacity!

The hottest fakes that are making money are MP Players. Both eBay and fake flash sellers are making a killing!

The most popular false capacity size at the moment is still 16GB. 16GB memory cards, 16GB MP Players and 16GB usb flash drives. 32GB and 64GB flash drives are arising, mostly for brand names. Please stay away, or a victim you will likely be! Pay a little more, buy at a local retail outlet. eBay for nand technology buying for devices with flash storage chips in these capacities will lead to a nightmare you do not need.

As victims on eBay all say: ” If it is too good to be true…it usually is !”

Additional Reading:

• Full Report Ebay 200804 – 200905 Counterfeit And Fake Memory Cards, MP Players, Flash Memory USB Pensticks Sold On eBay By Seller To Help You Recognize The Fakes
• 16GB Fake Flash USB Tidal Waves Continue On eBay – Victims of False Capacity Devices Pour Into SOSFakeFlash For Help
• Fake MP Players On Ebay – 8GB 16GB Tidal Wave Of False Capacity – What Can You Do?
• MP Players eBay Stop Buying 8GB 16GB MP3 MP4 At Cut Rate Bargain Prices SOSFakeFlash Advises
• FAKE 16GB 32GB 64GB – Conversations Between A Fake Flash Seller and A Victim – The Truth About the Scam Exposed
• New! 6 Continents eBay Fake MP Players – USB Pen Drives – Memory Cards – SOSFakeFlash
• Hot! Quick Detection Genuine or Counterfeit Kingston DT150 32GB DataTraveler Michael’s Guide

6 Continents eBay Fake MP Players – USB Pen Drives – Memory Cards – SOSFakeFlash

The FrankenFlash Project has been tracking where fake Fake MP Players, USB Pen Drives and memory cards sold on eBay go. SOSFakeFlash has spend thirteen months investigating counterfeits. Presented by the six continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and South America the information is current ending in May 2009.

What were the average eBay bid prices for the fake usb memory sticks, MP Players and memory cards investigated by the advertised capacity on eBay?

The different sites in the FrankenFlash project have been researching the cost of flash drive chips. Recently FlashChipTutor learned that the cost has doubled per Gigabyte at the beginining of the year. Previously it was $1 US dollar per GB but now is $2 US. It should be noted that this is for the smaller chips and not the latest ones. Much also depends on the quality of the flash drive nand chip.

If one uses this rule of thumb it could mean that the current cost of an 8GB chip is? 8×2= 16 $US Dollars. What would it be for

Note that the average prices are over a 13 month period of data collection. Recently we had several resellers inform us that the cost for flash chips have been rising as FlashChipTutor predicted they would. To find out what the real costs are for flash chips please read:

• What Are The Real Costs For Flash Chips In China? Guide 2009
• USB Flash Drives Best Price Bargains Fair Value To Sell Or Buy 8GB 16GB 32GB

Afterwards you might be interested in reading through this article.

FAKE 16GB 32GB 64GB – Conversations Between A Fake Flash Seller and A Victim – The Truth About the Scam Exposed

FAKE 16GB 32GB 64GB – Conversations Between A Fake Flash Seller and A Victim – A Guide On The Truth

Why are fake usb pen sticks, MP players and memory cards sold on eBay? The false capacity ranging from 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32GB 60GB 64GB 120GB 240GB 260GB 360GB to 500GB sizes.

One size is advertised but the true size is much smaller! You buy a 16GB MP player but only get 2GB or 4GB of storage. You buy a 16GB usb flash drive and get 1GB or 2GB of storage, maybe 4GB if you are lucky. You buy a 16GB memory card and only get 2GB or 4GB. When it comes to usb flash drives and memory cards, the digital alteration of the controller flash chip is deadly – you lose your data! Do the ebay sellers know what they are doing? Is there a reason?

Recently SOSFakeFlash asked for stories, experiences. We received one, an explicit conversation between a fake flash seller and a buyer victim. It dates to the summer of 2008 and nothing since has changed. It is published exactly as received. It might be long but if you want answers start reading!

How eBay Fake Flash Sellers Continue To Sell Fake MP Players, Memory Cards, Usb Flash Drive Pen Sticks – The Case of wholeselling-auctions

You might think that eBay will shut down fake flash sellers of MP Players, usb flash drives and Memory cards as soon as they are reported by ebay members. Not so. In some cases they can continue for years. At the very most eBay suspends them for a few months. One perfect example is ebay seller wholeselling-auctions. This seller has continued to sell for over one year. Selling generic usb flash drives, MP Players and memory cards,wholeselling-auctions rules eBay.

Sadly people searching for bargains in our global recession continue to expect low unrealistic prices. eBay seller wholeselling-auctions leverages buyer desires to unload false capacity devices. SOSFakeFlash recently issued an internet alert on this seller. FlashDriveFacts is republishing it to educate the public. Examine the items wholeselling-auctions has offered. So long as people wish to pay unrealistic prices, sellers such as wholeselling-auctions will make a lot of profit. Buyers will suffer the consequences.

SOSFakeFlash said:

wholeselling-auctions is an eBay seller of Counterfeit (Fake) Flash USB drives, MP Players and Memory Cards. Based in Hong Kong wholeselling-auctions is an old fake flash seller, now using private auction listings.

The first documented fake was in June 2008. wholeselling-auctions is very skilled and slippery in selling false capacity items. He knows exactly what he is selling. His dumps in volume. When the heat turns up, he will hide in his fake flash shell, quietly waiting for a new opportunity.

In the fall of 2008 wholeselling-auctions managed to elude SOSFakeFlash and victims by closing his fake flash shop. No alert was ever published, but he was added on the fake flash honour role – the list of eBay fake flash sellers.

Test anything you bought from this seller and make sure you leave immediate feedback! SOSFakeFlash is listing every fake model investigated and even those not yet confirmed. Just recently returned he has already sold more than 3000+ items. He needs to be removed from eBay permenently. Only eBayers can do that. eBay has done nothing for more than one year. Currently he has earned more than $60,000 US.

Please do not let him get away again!

Report in to SOSFakeFlash if your testing confirms you have a false capacity device. Every single item and count is needed. Make sure to raise a dispute with PayPal. If you funded with a credit card, you may wish to contact your credit card company to expidite a refund with a reversal. wholeselling-auctions demonstrates what is wrong with eBay and just how bold fake flash sellers are. Scroll through his feedback and contact positive feedback members – ask them to TEST. If you left positive and have discovered you were sold false capacity – do follow up feedback immediately to alert people to the truth!

Don’t forget to leave the calling card of “SOSFakeFlash” and “H2testw” in your feedback to help others. Do not change your feedback to get a refund – you will only create more victims and it will only allow a fake flash seller to continue, do you really want that?

wholeselling-auctions’s address:

ChiWa Wong

Room 718, Blk7. Sah Chuen Hse, Lek Yuen Est. Shatin N.T.
Hong Kong

To see wholeselling-auctions’s negative feedback Please Click Here – review the complete history to see how far back it goes!

May 14th, 2009 – we have 11 eBay listings confirmed fake .

Sold by wholeselling-auctions:

Not yet investigated:

Important Reading:

• eBay – What To Do When Sellers Demands You Change Your Negative Feedback To Positive For A Refund Or Demands Positive As A Condition Of Refund – A Guide
• USB Flash Drives Best Price Bargains Fair Value To Sell Or Buy 8GB 16GB 32GB
• Why Leave Immediate Negative Feedback For an eBay Fake Flash Seller?
• PayPal Orders You To Return Fake MP Players, Fake MP Players , Fake USB Flash Drives, Fake Memory Cards To Get A Refund? Think Again!
• Genuine Verses Fake Counterfeit USB Flash Drives – A Guide – USB Flash Chips Used – Grades A B C D
• What Are The Real Costs For Flash Chips In China? Guide 2009