A sophisticated new scam targeting high-end computer hardware has emerged on Amazon, specifically focusing on expensive DDR5 memory kits. According to a report by VideoCardz, fraudsters are deceiving buyers by placing ancient DDR2 modules inside counterfeit packaging designed to look like brand-new, high-performance retail kits.

The issue came to light when a consumer identified as BravoNorris purchased four ADATA XPG Caster DDR5-6000 32GB kits from Amazon Spain. While the exterior packaging arrived in factory-sealed plastic wrap and appeared entirely legitimate, the contents inside the third kit were a different story. Upon opening the box, the buyer discovered old DDR or DDR2 memory sticks that had been glued to metal blocks to mimic the weight of modern modules. These fake units were finished with low-quality counterfeit stickers to further the deception.

This seems to be a classic case of return fraud executed with high precision. In this scenario, a scammer purchases a genuine high-end RAM kit and carefully swaps the expensive DDR5 modules with worthless old hardware and weights. The package is then professionally resealed to look factory-new and returned to Amazon. Because the packaging appears untouched, the automated logistics systems often restock the item as new inventory without a technical inspection of the internal components.

ADATA has responded to the incident by advising customers to buy memory products only from authorized retail partners instead of unknown third-party marketplace sellers. The company also pointed to its online verification portal and said it will step up consumer education around genuine packaging and security features to help curb counterfeit products.

The rise in hardware fraud is closely linked to the current economic climate in the tech industry. As AI-related demand consumes the global supply of DRAM and NAND flash memory, prices for DDR5 and SSDs have climbed significantly. This scarcity has made high-end memory a lucrative target for organized scammers, and the industry is now bracing for ripple effects that could impact the pricing and security of motherboards, GPUs, and upcoming gaming consoles.

To safeguard against these sophisticated scams, it is recommended to record a continuous, uncut video of the unboxing process. This footage serves as essential evidence if a refund dispute arises. Additionally, buyers should physically inspect the module notch, as DDR5 has a specific alignment that differs from older generations, and use manufacturer websites to verify that the serial numbers on the modules match the retail box.

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The post Counterfeit RAM Scam Hits Amazon: Fake DDR5 Kits Sold in Sealed Packaging appeared first on Gizmochina.

The post US Senators Introduce SAFE Crypto Act to Target Rising Crypto Scams appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Crypto scams are getting faster, smarter and harder to track. Lawmakers are now treating them as a growing national problem, and they want a coordinated federal response.

This week, U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin and Jerry Moran introduced a bipartisan bill aimed squarely at crypto-related fraud. The proposal, called the Strengthening Agency Frameworks for Enforcement of Cryptocurrency (SAFE Crypto) Act, would create a dedicated federal task force focused on detecting and preventing cryptocurrency scams.

What the SAFE Crypto Act Will Do

The bill proposes forming a multi-agency task force led by the U.S. Treasury, bringing together officials from the Attorney General’s office, FinCEN, the U.S. Secret Service, and other federal and state agencies.

Unlike past crypto legislation, this effort is not about market rules or asset classification. The focus is narrow and practical: scams, fraud, phishing attacks, and Ponzi-style schemes that continue to drain billions from investors.

The task force would also include private-sector participants, such as stablecoin issuers, digital asset custodians, and blockchain intelligence firms, along with representatives for scam victims and law enforcement.

“This task force, established by the SAFE Cryptocurrency Act, will allow us to draw upon every resource we have to combat fraud in digital assets,” Slotkin said.

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Why Now? The Threat Is Escalating

The push comes as crypto-related crime continues to climb. According to Chainalysis, more than $2.17 billion was already stolen from crypto services by mid-2025, surpassing the total recorded for all of 2024.

At the same time, crypto ATM fraud is emerging as a growing concern. Between January and November 2025, losses tied to crypto ATM fraud have already reached approximately $333 million.

“As cryptocurrency becomes more widely used, this legislation would help counter threats and make certain all Americans are better protected from crypto scams,” Moran said.

A Gap in Enforcement

Crypto lawyer Gabriel Shapiro said the proposal could address blind spots in current enforcement. “Feels like this could be very useful! SEC/CFTC not really focused on things like hacks, phishing, petty ponzi schemes, etc,” he wrote.

Blockchain forensic firm TRM Labs has also signaled support, saying closer coordination between industry and law enforcement could help disrupt scam networks in real time.

What Happens Next

If passed, the task force would issue an initial report within one year, followed by annual updates to congressional committees.

For now, the bill signals a clear shift: Washington is focusing directly on crypto scams where losses are mounting fastest.

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