Tecknova

Fake memory cards out there – Don't be fooled

We’re definitely no strangers to counterfeit and fake products. In today’s world, it’s become commonplace to see an ‘Appal’ phone, here and a ‘Nipe’ shoe there. Piracy and cheap fake counterfeits have percolated into each and every segment of the market, so much so that there are extremely high chances that there’s a fake to every original product you’ve seen in the market. 

You're fake

In the gadget genre as well, we’ve seen tons and tons of them. From headphones, to chargers, to batteries to even complete phones. Now, we’ve got microSD cards to complete that list. They’ve been in existence, since quite some time, but only recently did we see a sudden surge when we spotted not one not two, but three ‘stalls’ strategically placed, selling these fake ‘original SanDisk memory cards’. 

No you're fake

This imposter memory card you can see wants you to believe you’ve just purchased the cheapest memory card in the world. But, we’ll warn you, your happiness will be shortlived, if you’ll be drawn into its seemingly inconspicuous look. You’d rather not be fooled by its ridiculously low price, because you might not get anything close to what you’re hoping for.

We're all original

Here’s how the modus operandi of these impostors works. Two guys - one at the stall, one waiting a little far off from the location. The first one shows off his brand new memory cards at a price tag of approximately Rs.100 for a 4GB memory card and Rs.180 for an 8GB one. They’re all sealed and need a ‘format’ to start working on your phone. He’ll show you an existing card and prove that it is indeed legitimate. 

Can you tell the difference

If that doesn’t convince you, but you’re still hovering around his stall - enter partner in crime. This guy comes with a memory card and phone and thanks the first guy profusely for the ‘previous memory card sale’ and states that he wants more. For all you know, you’ll be left wondering, ‘Hey, that’s not a major hole in my pocket, no harm in trying, plus it worked for that dude’. Out comes the wallet and there goes your money, with “Boss, ek mujhe bhi”. Their plan succeeds and you’re left with a plastic memory card with absolutely nothing inside. 

Broken down

You can check out the images, themselves and see the difference (or the lack of it) between the fake and the original memory cards. Here’s our advice, beware of such scams and watch out for fakes. If you’re getting a good deal on any product, your best bet is to first try and then buy it. Oh, and the best suggestion? Stick to the original.