How to avoid being scammed when buying a used graphics card

[Natalie]

Buying a second hand GPU can save a lot of money, but scammers are out there. Engadget has put together a guide on spotting fake graphics card listings and protecting yourself

Reported scams include boxes filled with pasta or rice instead of a card, a photo of the GPU sent instead of the GPU, and traded in cards stripped of their memory chips and resold. Some scammers even hijack tracking numbers to defeat refund claims

Red flags include prices that seem too low on Facebook Marketplace or eBay, and stock photos. Engadget suggests reverse image searching even the seller's own photos, and being wary of sellers who dodge requests for photos from odd angles or try to rush the sale

When buying in person, meet somewhere you can test the card, such as a library or tech shop, inspect it for damage, and run a 15 minute stress test in HWiNFO while watching temperatures and clock speeds. When buying online, ask for stress test videos, check feedback and use platforms with buyer protection, though refunds can still be hard to get

Graphics cards are expensive enough that scammers see them as easy targets, so a little caution goes a long way. Testing before handing over money is the single best protection. If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is

Have you bought a used GPU before? And what checks do you do before buying second hand tech?

Herewww.engadget.com