Recognizing Counterfeit Memory Cards

Author : Nicole Ritler #Memory Card

A counterfeit memory card operates on the same principle as any other counterfeit product – it resembles another product, but isn't what it appears to be. Many sellers offer simple 8 GB memory cards while claiming they are 64 GB cards. Any data exceeding the actual 8 GB capacity will be lost.

Problems also arise with counterfeit defective memory chips. For example, a memory card may have a 2 GB memory capacity, but only 1 GB is functional because a chip is defective. The manufacturer noticed the malfunction and simply reprogrammed the controller for a lower memory capacity. The controller then only uses half of the total capacity.

How can you detect counterfeits and avoid buying them? Here are a few tips. It is possible to recognize the potential memory capacity based on the card type. For example, if a capacity of 64 GB is indicated on an SDHC card, it is clearly a counterfeit.

The packaging can also provide information about the authenticity of the media. It is often lower quality packaging, with missing graphic elements compared to the original. Furthermore, the information on the packaging may not match the media inside – for example, a "SanDisk Ultra" card is declared, but the packaging contains a "SanDisk Extreme" card. It is also a counterfeit if the packaging declares a "MicroSDHC", while the card sold contains the "SDXC" logo.

Front of the Memory Card

First, you can compare the type of memory card you want to buy with the memory capacities according to the table above. You can also check the exterior of the cards on the manufacturer's website. For example, there are SanDisk 128 GB microcards where the color does not match the original. You can check for other differences, such as the font of the characters.

Back of the Memory Card

Almost all recent counterfeits contain the following information on the back: MMB3R08BUACA-GE (manufacturing number), XL8B20140105 (date code, may vary), Made in Taiwan. It appears that the code "08" in the manufacturing number reveals the actual memory capacity. Other known manufacturing numbers are MMB3R08GUACA-GE, MMB3D08BUACA-GE, MMB3D08GUACA-GE, MMB3R08GUACA-GE. If a card contains one of these numbers, it is a counterfeit – unless it is actually a card with a capacity of 8 GB.

Be careful if the product is sold at a much lower price than other suppliers – this type of problem is often encountered on sales platforms such as eBay etc.