AliExpress fake memory card

roytom2

A few weeks ago I started buying small things on AliExpress. I was fully anticipating a problem sooner or later and it happened when I bought a memory card (sold as genuine) that was completely a fake.

I raised a return with them stating it was defective and they asked me to supply some information. So I made a little video of the useless card being put into a reader and showing that it was corrupted. They have repeatedly said that this is not enough evidence. On a low value item I can’t think what on earth else they could want?

This is demonstrated what I thought would be the case that they are not to be trusted selling something that is clearly defective and fake and not putting things right. Clearly, I’ll never buy from them again but what I want to make sure is that other people don’t get caught out either.

Has anyone else on here encountered this situation with AliExpress? I’d be highly surprised if they haven’t.

Woodstok2000

Yes, AliExpress, Temu etc are all basically a black market. You have no enforceable rights and no comeback when things go wrong. I have heard the odd story of successful refunds or returns, but thousands more with people being left out of pocket.

roytom2

Thanks. I wonder if conned buyers have recovered their money from their credit or debit card providers?

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81909650#Comment_81909650

You could try a chargeback claim via your card provider but chances are they'd insist on the product being returned to the supplier, and being able to demonstrate that it's been received there is rarely viable.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81909657#Comment_81909657

Counterfeit goods are prohibited items with Royal Mail and all other carriers and so there is no way to return them. Ill stop short of saying its illegal though multiple sources state it is.

Had a similar discussion with another organisation who asked me to return counterfeit goods and the argument was accepted that I couldn't and so they refunded

roytom2

interesting

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81910086#Comment_81910086

True, although OP mentions the item both being fake and being defective/corrupted, and taking a video to illustrate the latter, so perhaps there are question marks about the extent to which it can be demonstrated to be fake (without expert determination)?

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6658030/aliexpress-fake-memory-card

How do you know it is fake? Have you contacted brand owner to confirm this?

As just because it is corrupted, does not mean it is fake.

You could try a faulty chargeback, but item would need returning.

If you can get confirmation from brand owner of it being counterfeit, then you do not have to return for a chargeback. As it is a different chargeback.

roytom2

it’s definitely a fake SD card. I’ve experienced the same issue before. The device formats to the the size stated, ie 256gb, but only about the first 4gb is actually useable and working. Files written that go over 4gb appear to be there but there content is corrupted. It’s a well worked trick. The product ad stated it’s a genuine Sony device yet the packaging obviously shows it’s made by a counterfeiter.

I will contact Sony although I doubt they will be bothered as this must be happening continuously and they will be unable to prevent these shisters flooding the market with junk illegally carrying their name.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81910086#Comment_81910086

https://help.royalmail.com/personal/s/article/Prohibited-and-restricted-items-personal-customer-guidelines

Says counterfeit currency, bank notes and stamps?

DeathByFluffy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912597#Comment_81912597

If you know it's a well worked trick and have experienced it before, why on earth would you buy a card from AliExpress?

It's full of bottom-of-the-market and questionably sourced stuff with little to no prospect of a refund if you have a problem, as you've found out. I'd just chalk this one down to experience.