Redditor Orders RTX 5070 Ti… Receives a Bag of Pebbles Instead
Buying a brand-new graphics card should be one of the most exciting upgrades a PC gamer can make. Unfortunately, for one unlucky Reddit user, their long-awaited RTX 5070 Ti turned out to be nothing more than a bag of pebbles.
Yes — actual stones.
What Happened?
According to a viral post on Reddit, a user ordered what was advertised as an NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti graphics card from an online marketplace seller. The package arrived sealed and appeared normal from the outside. But once opened, instead of a powerful GPU, the box contained:
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A plastic bag
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Filled with small pebbles
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Roughly matching the weight of a real graphics card
The goal was obvious: make the parcel feel “correct” during shipping so it wouldn’t raise suspicion until it was too late.
Photos shared by the user quickly spread across Reddit and other social platforms, with thousands of comments from shocked (and angry) PC enthusiasts.
How Does This Even Happen?
Sadly, GPU scams aren’t new — especially around highly sought-after hardware launches. Scammers use several tricks:
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Fake marketplace listings
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Tampered returns (swapping a GPU with junk and returning it)
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Third-party sellers posing as legit retailers
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Re-sealed boxes that look factory fresh
High-value items like graphics cards are prime targets because:
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They’re expensive
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They’re in demand
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Many buyers rush to secure stock
All of which makes it easier for fraudsters to slip through.
Was the Buyer Refunded?
At the time of the post, the Reddit user had opened a dispute with the marketplace and payment provider. In many cases, buyers do eventually get refunded — but it can take weeks of stress, evidence, and customer support battles.
And that’s assuming the platform sides with the buyer.
Why This Matters for PC Buyers
This story highlights an important lesson: where you buy your components matters just as much as what you buy.
If you’re spending hundreds (or thousands) on a GPU, saving £50 by using a risky seller simply isn’t worth it.
Key risks of buying from unknown sellers:
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Fake or empty boxes
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Used or damaged cards sold as “new”
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Zero warranty
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Long dispute processes
How to Avoid GPU Scams
Here are some simple rules to stay safe when buying graphics cards:
✅ Buy from reputable retailers
✅ Avoid “too good to be true” prices
✅ Check seller feedback and history
✅ Use payment methods with buyer protection
✅ Film yourself opening high-value parcels
✅ Avoid private sales unless you trust the person
And if possible:
➡️ Buy from a PC builder or specialist retailer that tests hardware before shipping.
Final Thoughts
The idea of opening a box expecting a cutting-edge RTX 5070 Ti and finding pebbles instead is every PC gamer’s nightmare. While it’s an extreme case, it perfectly shows why trust and reliability are crucial when buying PC hardware.
A graphics card should boost your frame rate — not your blood pressure.
If you’re investing in a gaming PC or upgrade, make sure you’re getting the real thing… and not something you’d normally find on a driveway.