$999 RTX 5090 GPU scam claims 42 victims — fanny-pack bait-and-switch tactic employed by top-rated Amazon seller

In a shocking ploy, a third-party Amazon seller is luring desperate buyers with a fake GeForce RTX 5090, one of the best graphics cards, for $999, masterminding an elaborate scam that leaves victims outraged and empty-handed. As of now, a staggering 42 unsuspecting consumers have fallen for the scheme, lured by the promise of a GeForce RTX 5090 at half its MSRP.

The GeForce RTX 5090 launched at a staggering $1,999, but the ongoing global NAND shortage has sent prices for this Blackwell gaming flagship soaring to unprecedented heights. Many custom models now start well above $2,500—if you can even find them in stock. So, when a GeForce RTX 5090 is selling for $999, it’s not just a bargain—it’s a glaring warning sign that something is terribly fishy about it. Buyers desperate for a deal may overlook these red flags, making themselves vulnerable to scams and financial loss.

To be fair to the buyers, Fitter's Niche Direct—registered in China—boasts an impeccable reputation on Amazon, with a 99% positive customer rating based on nearly 1,800 reviews. On the surface, the storefront appears completely legitimate. However, looks can be deceiving. A closer inspection reveals only five products: three generic fanny packs, one elastic stretching band, and one suspicious listing for “fitter's niche Gigabyte Aorus GeForce RTX 5090 Master 32G Graphics Card.” We linked the listing strictly for educational and awareness purposes—please do not attempt to purchase the graphics card.

One Amazon buyer said, “These guys are scam artist; they sent me a $1000 fanny pack not a graphics card that I ordered. Don't buy anything from this store.”

Another victim stated, “Ordered a Graphics card and received a fanny pack instead. Now amazon is delaying my return since I returned a fanny pack and not a 5090.”

The Amazon seller did not always engage in fraudulent activity. A review of user feedback reveals that negative comments and scam allegations began surfacing on December 28, 2025. For months prior, Fitter's Niche Direct maintained a spotless reputation, leaving many to wonder what could have triggered such a drastic shift. Did the seller succumb to the lure of quick profits during a high-demand frenzy for graphics cards? Or was the account compromised by a third party, turning a once-reputable storefront into a scam operation overnight?

Regardless of the underlying cause, the impact is undeniable: 42 victims have come forward so far, with the latest case reported as recently as January 12. Each new complaint underscores how quickly this scam has spread and how urgent it is for both buyers and platforms to stay vigilant.

The negative feedback is struck through and comes with Amazon’s added disclaimer: “This item was fulfilled by Amazon, and we take responsibility for this fulfillment experience.” It doesn't affect the seller's reputation. It appears the seller is blatantly exploiting Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program. If you're unfamiliar with FBA, it’s a program where sellers ship their products directly to Amazon’s warehouses. From there, Amazon handles every aspect of the transaction: storage, packing, shipping, customer service, and product returns.

Since Amazon assumes responsibility for FBA orders, affected customers have likely been reimbursed. However, it remains unclear whether Amazon is absorbing the financial blow from these fraudulent transactions or if the seller is ultimately held accountable. It's baffling and concerning that Amazon has yet to take decisive action and suspend the seller.

Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds.