Costco Takes Precautionary Measures as RAM Theft Surges
If you needed another indication that the RAM crisis continues to escalate, here’s a notable development: memory sticks are increasingly becoming a target for thieves. Recently, Costco has taken the step of removing RAM modules from their display PCs in the United States, keeping them secured in the back of the store.
This decision follows an alarming incident where a person was apprehended attempting to rob DDR5 memory from a display PC. A Reddit user highlighted this ongoing issue, sharing photographic evidence of a PC on display with empty RAM slots on its motherboard.
This isn’t the first time Costco has implemented such measures; they had previously removed GPUs from their computers due to similar concerns back in 2020. With the soaring prices of DDR5 RAM, driven by demand and supply issues, it’s clear that RAM is now in the spotlight as a high-value item.
RAM Theft: A Growing Phenomenon
The rise in RAM theft isn’t confined to retail stores. An incident reported in South Korea saw an office being broken into specifically to steal DDR5 system memory, leaving other equipment untouched. The trend illustrates the lengths some are willing to go to acquire this valuable tech component.
Moreover, the digital marketplace isn’t immune to this issue. Scammers are reportedly purchasing expensive RAM, replacing it with obsolete memory, and returning it to online retailers. If these retailers don’t conduct thorough checks on returns, unsuspecting customers may end up with inferior products. This is a serious concern for online buyers navigating a landscape rife with potential fraud.
Understanding the Impact of the RAM Crisis
With RAM prices climbing drastically, particularly for high-end DDR5 sticks, it’s no surprise that they are drawing the attention of thieves. This phenomenon has been observed before with high-value components like GPUs, which have long been secured through various measures in retail environments.
Unlike graphics cards, RAM is significantly easier to steal and conceal. The challenges of accessing a PC in a retail setting may deter some thieves, but incidents do occur, often involving individuals feigning official status to bypass security measures and pull off thefts.
While consumers may not need to worry about in-store thefts directly, they should remain vigilant when making online purchases. To protect against potential scams, it’s advisable for consumers to record themselves unboxing any high-value tech products. This video evidence can serve as vital proof should any discrepancies arise.
In conclusion, the rising trend of RAM theft underscores broader issues within the tech market, especially as demand outstrips supply. The vigilant steps taken by retailers like Costco highlight the ongoing challenges in securing high-demand technology from thieves.
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