Counterfeit Samsung SSDs Arrive in Europe: Beware of Scams
Reports have also emerged in Europe regarding counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSDs, with units that convincingly imitate the original product but are, in fact, quite different from the legitimate items. This was revealed by a long-time user of ComputerBase who purchased the units from a trusted Austrian retailer.
At first glance, the packaging appears similar to the official ones. The user ordered two units, and the received items do not even have the display tab seen on some counterfeit versions just days ago, which is absent from the original packaging. There’s even a seal with the serial number and production date. In summary, the packages look almost identical.
A more attentive examination reveals the counterfeiting. Firstly, the graphics: as seen from the images shared by colleagues in Germany, the print quality is significantly lower than that of the original packaging. Additionally, the layout of the symbols on the back does not match the official version.
The problem becomes clearer right after opening: the blue PCB represents the first evident sign, as the originals use a black printed circuit board. The labels also mimic the official ones, including QR codes and identification numbers, but are not sufficient to conceal the technical discrepancies.
On the back appears the designation RTS5765DL, associated with a Realtek controller, previously noted in other cases of counterfeit SSDs. This detail completely diverges from the hardware platform used by Samsung for the 990 Pro series, which instead adopts a proprietary controller. However, it is interesting to note that in this case the counterfeiters managed to print the “Samsung SSD” logo on the back, which is absent on most counterfeit models. Thus, this element is also not a sign of the product's authenticity.
Software checks clearly confirmed the nature of the product. Diagnostic tools show abnormal values, such as a reported capacity of 1099.5 GB instead of the traditional 1000.2 GB (1 TB). Of course, the firmware does not match what is provided by Samsung either.
The final proof was done through Samsung Magician, the official suite provided by Samsung, which while nominally recognizing the device, identifies it as “Non-Samsung.” This blocks access to all key functions such as advanced diagnostics.
The involved retailer has initiated internal investigations and checks on the distribution chain. Currently, there are no other suspicious products in the warehouses, but a third SSD from the same lot remains under observation, still sealed and with packaging different from the original standards.
In the meantime, colleagues at ComputerBase have also notified Samsung of the incident, to which the company responded:
“Samsung takes reports of counterfeit memory products very seriously. We are taking concrete measures to combat the distribution of such illegal units. It is recommended to purchase Samsung memory devices exclusively through the Samsung Online Shop or authorized retailers. Consumers can also use Samsung Magician software to verify the authenticity of the product. We are grateful for the information that comes to us from the market and consumers, which allows us to quickly identify and investigate any cases. Users and partners can contact Samsung Product Support if they suspect an issue.”