In response to the recent launch of Nvidia ’s latestRTX 5090andRTX 5080graphics cards , eBay users have taken matters into their own hands to scrap scalper and automated purchasing bots . By list fake product — such as photographs or drawing off of the RTX 5090 , sometimes humorously redact — sellers aspire to deceive bot programmed to acquire these high - demand item for resale at inflated damage .

These deceptive listings often mimic the appearance of genuine product offers , consummate with pricing around the manufacturer ’s suggested retail price ( MSRP ) or low . Subtle warnings like “ read description ” are included to alert human buyers .

Upon reviewing the verbal description , it becomes manifest that the listing is for an image or drafting of the artwork card , not the actual hardware . Some trafficker even designate that purchasers will receive a digital image via email or a random detail from a contribution entrepot , clearly indicating the non - physical nature of the mathematical product . For instance , this listingasks users to read the verbal description where it aver – “ THIS IS JUST A motion-picture show OF THE RTX 5090 GRAPHICS CARD PRINTED IN BLACK AND WHITE FROM MY PRINTER . HUMANS DO NOT BUY ! ZERO RETURNS ! sale ARE FINAL ! ”

This tactic has proven effective . A search for “ RTX 5090 ” on eBay uncover legion such itemisation , with some even record sales . While it ’s unclear whether these purchase were made by bots or unsuspicious individuals , the prevalence of these fake list has made it challenge for scalpers to place genuine products .

The motivation behind these actions stems from far-flung frustration over the limited handiness of Nvidia ’s latestRTX 50 - seriesdesktop GPUs , which went on sale just yesterday , January 30 . Despite the company ’s efforts , the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 have been in short supply since their release , leading to significant demand and prompting partizan to camp outside retailers in hopes of plug a unit .

Gamers Nexushas done an excellent mysterious dive on the ongoing RTX 50 - serial GPU shortages . The video suggests that major retailers such as Micro Center , Best Buy , and Newegg had extremely limited stocks that were depleted within hour , lead many enthusiasts empty - handed .

In Japan , the position was equally chaotic . Eager customers were seen hop fences of neighboring properties to stop up a GPU . To cope overwhelming demand and prevent scalping , a Japanese retailer put through a lottery system just to buy one GPU . However , the lottery conclude before many attendees arrived , pass to further frustration among consumer .

Notably , Nvidia acknowledge that its new RTX 5090 and 5080 graphics cards would confront meaning demand , potentially leading to stock shortage . Tim Adams , Nvidia ’s head of GeForce biotic community , say in the company ’s forums , “ We have a bun in the oven significant requirement for the GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 and believe stock - out may find . ” He accentuate that the company and its mate are continuously shipping more inventory to retail merchant to see consumer requirement .

Reports suggest that these supplying challenges maypersist for up to three months , exacerbate the situation and giving scalpers more opportunity to work the market . While system of rules integrator might offer up a way to get an RTX 50 - serial GPU , expect to ante up a bounty — and likely stop up with extra part you do n’t need if you already own a microcomputer .