+- Sinisterly (https://sinister.li)
+-- Forum: Hacking (https://sinister.li/Forum-Hacking)
+--- Forum: Social Engineering (https://sinister.li/Forum-Social-Engineering)
+--- Thread: GPU SE Advice (/Thread-GPU-SE-Advice)
GPU SE Advice - aertergaery - 06-16-2021
Hi,
I would like to SE a GPU, specifically an Nvidia RTX 3080 (currently ranging £1600-1700), from a third party seller selling from amazon, but I'm unsure as to what method to use.
From what I understand, and considering the large weight (1.6kg) of the item, I believe the DNA method to be optimal, however if an OTP is required, the sealed box method or the wrong item method to be the most optimal (but please correct me if I am wrong regarding method used).
I'd like to ask a few questions regarding each method;
Regarding the sealed box method;
If the item comes with warranty sticker-style peeling stickers as the only seal preventing opening of the box - would a successful removal of the stickers in their original form, followed by exchange with an item of same weight, and successful reapplication of the sticker (again in its original form) and a return, be met with a check of the item inside after the return process? Also, if the item is checked and the SE uncovered, what may the consequences be?
When using the wrong item method, what implications does a highly priced item bring - would amazon be inclined to raise a police report? And if so, what actions must be taken?
I'm also curious about the EB method - is this still feasible with a high item weight (~1.6kg)? Or a high item price (£1650)?
Finally - if the third party seller also offers PC repairs, is it logical to assume there is an increased risk of the SE being uncovered (in the event that the GPU is used for upgrading / repair)? And what would be the consequences under that circumstance?
Any pointers and explanations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Aert. :)
RE: GPU SE Advice - Waifu - 06-16-2021
Quote:From what I understand, and considering the large weight (1.6kg) of the item, I believe the DNA method to be optimal, however if an OTP is required, the sealed box method or the wrong item method to be the most optimal.
Correct, the DNA would be optimal if no signature/OTP is required. Though you can claim that you didn't sign the package as anyone could have signed it. Just make sure if you do sign it, scribble it in a way that makes it unreadable.
Quote:Regarding the sealed box method;
If the item comes with warranty sticker-style peeling stickers as the only seal preventing opening of the box - would a successful removal of the stickers in their original form, followed by exchange with an item of same weight, and successful reapplication of the sticker (again in its original form) and a return, be met with a check of the item inside after the return process?
Regarding the sealed box method, your goal is to box and pack everything back into its original condition. You will have to carefully open your product without damaging the seal and the packaging. Any signs of inconsistencies and/or tampering would lead to the package being checked.
Quote:Also, if the item is checked and the SE uncovered, what may the consequences be?
As stated per above, if the item is checked, then you have simply failed your sealed box method. The item will only be checked if the packaging or the seal is damaged and your job is to MAKE sure that everything looks completely normal in its factory form. Though, if the SE is uncovered, the consequences can be that you will be rebilled, or even actions being taken depending on the situation.
Quote:When using the wrong item method, what implications does a highly priced item bring - would amazon be inclined to raise a police report? And if so, what actions must be taken?
The wrong item method won't affect you as it is not a theft-related incident as mothered states per below. Make sure when using this method, do not state what wrong item you have received - only state if the rep asks. If for example you stated that you received a hard drive instead, the third party can contact the carrier, and ask them to simply check the weight of the product and show if it matches your description of the "wrong" product.
In simpler terms, if you purchase a GPU (1.6kg) and state that you received a hard drive instead (0.5kg) that can go to show that you might be lying and therefore require a police report. Though, what you can do is lookup on google for items that weigh the same as the GPU you have to not raise any suspicions .
Quote:I'm also curious about the EB method - is this still feasible with a high item weight (~1.6kg)? Or a high item price (£1650)?
NO! NO! NO! As @mothered states in his blogs, your product should not EXCEED 120 grams and that's really pushing it. Why? It's because items that weigh above 120 grams can register as weight on consignment and therefore proving that your item is in fact there.
Quote:Finally - if the third party seller also offers PC repairs, is it logical to assume there is an increased risk of the SE being uncovered (in the event that the GPU is used for upgrading / repair)? And what would be the consequences under that circumstance?
I don't know about this one, but I'm guessing once you SE an item, you are basically getting rid of your "warranty". In that case, the third party will be suspicious and take actions. So don't do it. Just simply go repair your GPU at a nearby repairs shop. Really... If you successfully end up getting a refund from a GPU you have enough money to pay and fix it.
I might be wrong though, so I will be waiting on @mothered for his response.
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
If you do end up being asked to file a police report, you can go ahead and file one as that's part of the companies protocol. You can file a PR either online or to your nearest police department. A police report can take weeks or even months to process. Therefore, when you get your police report, show it to the third party and claim your refund. Afterwards, make sure you contact the PR and ask them that you have found your package and/or fixed the issue.
Another thing to mention, SEing third parties can be hard as their refunding protocol can differ from other parties. So just keep that in mind, some of them will take things extremely serious.
Hope this helps,
Have a nice day!
RE: GPU SE Advice - mothered - 06-16-2021
Quote:from a third party seller selling from amazonIs It a company or an Individual seller?
Quote: the sealed box methodIs the packaging fully covered In cardboard, thereby the GPU cannot be viewed externally?
Quote:Regarding the sealed box method;On the grounds there's no signs of tampering, the objective of the sealed box method, Is to have your return placed back Into stock and a refund Issued thereafter.
If the item comes with warranty sticker-style peeling stickers as the only seal preventing opening of the box - would a successful removal of the stickers in their original form, followed by exchange with an item of same weight, and successful reapplication of the sticker (again in its original form) and a return, be met with a check of the item inside after the return process
In short, don't give them reason to check your return.
Quote:Also, if the item is checked and the SE uncovered, what may the consequences be?Nothing.
As far as you're concerned, you've returned what they've originally sent. Another SE'er could've used the sealed box method, and you just happened to purchase his/her return.
Quote:When using the wrong item method, what implications does a highly priced item bring - would amazon be inclined to raise a police report?The method doesn't warrant a police report.
It's not a theft-related Incident, hence a PR Is Immaterial.
Quote:I'm also curious about the EB method - is this still feasible with a high item weight (~1.6kg)?If an Investigation Is opened, the claim will be Instantly declined.
As stated above, the maximum weight Is around 120 grams- and that's pushing It to Its absolute limit.
Quote:Finally - if the third party seller also offers PC repairs, is it logical to assume there is an increased risk of the SE being uncovered (in the event that the GPU is used for upgrading / repair)?On the grounds you've SEd the GPU from the third party seller Itself, how will It reflect on the repairs offered by the same seller?
RE: GPU SE Advice - Waifu - 06-16-2021
Quote:When using the wrong item method, what implications does a highly priced item bring - would amazon be inclined to raise a police report?
The method doesn't warrant a police report.
It's not a theft-related Incident, hence a PR Is Immaterial.
Oh right for the wrong method item received method there won't be a police report since as you stated it is not theft related. I will update my response.
RE: GPU SE Advice - mothered - 06-16-2021
(06-16-2021, 11:28 AM)Waifu Wrote:All good.Quote:When using the wrong item method, what implications does a highly priced item bring - would amazon be inclined to raise a police report?
The method doesn't warrant a police report.
It's not a theft-related Incident, hence a PR Is Immaterial.
Oh right for the wrong method item received method there won't be a police report since as you stated it is not theft related. I will update my response.
The method claims that It's a picking & packing error by the warehouse staff, so It's solely related company operations and not any external Incident, namely stolen goods. Though, some companies still Insist on a PR, which the police will refuse to provide It due to the above reasons.
RE: GPU SE Advice - Waifu - 06-16-2021
(06-16-2021, 12:05 PM)mothered Wrote:(06-16-2021, 11:28 AM)Waifu Wrote:All good.Quote:When using the wrong item method, what implications does a highly priced item bring - would amazon be inclined to raise a police report?
The method doesn't warrant a police report.
It's not a theft-related Incident, hence a PR Is Immaterial.
Oh right for the wrong method item received method there won't be a police report since as you stated it is not theft related. I will update my response.
The method claims that It's a picking & packing error by the warehouse staff, so It's solely related company operations and not any external Incident, namely stolen goods. Though, some companies still Insist on a PR, which the police will refuse to provide It due to the above reasons.
In that case, if the police refuses to provide a PR will the company you are trying to SE issue your refund? I'm thinking they will not fall through with it unless you actually get one. Though I'm pretty sure the police will offer you a document/slip stating that they cannot provide a PR. As an SEr I would keep fighting against my case, sound really emotional, do whatever in order for them to give up at the end.
RE: GPU SE Advice - mothered - 06-16-2021
(06-16-2021, 01:03 PM)Waifu Wrote: In that case, if the police refuses to provide a PR will the company you are trying to SE issue your refund? I'm thinking they will not fall through with it unless you actually get one. Though I'm pretty sure the police will offer you a document/slip stating that they cannot provide a PR. As an SEr I would keep fighting against my case, sound really emotional, do whatever in order for them to give up at the end.Given every company and police department operate differently to some degree, It's not possible to generalize.
If the police refuse the report, that's precisely what you'd tell the company via written confirmation or verbally.
RE: GPU SE Advice - aertergaery - 06-16-2021
(06-16-2021, 10:36 AM)mothered Wrote:Quote:Is It a company or an Individual seller?From a computer upgrades/repairs business with a warehouse (I did some digging) - this business is selling through amazon.
Quote:Is the packaging fully covered In xxxxboard, thereby the GPU cannot be viewed externally?Yes, the packaging is fully opaque with no transparency.
Quote:On the grounds there's no signs of tampering, the objective of the sealed box method, Is to have your return placed back Into stock and a refund Issued thereafter.I see... With the company being far from a tech giant, is it likely that they'll get paranoid over losing that amount of money and look into the return despite everything looking perfect? Such a question may be a result of my own paranoia / overcautiousness, but it'd be nice to have a second opinion..
In short, don't give them reason to check your return.
Quote:Nothing.Logical - however the company in question has only 1 GPU in stock, and I'm questioning the likelihood of there being multiple buyers for this GPU...
As far as you're concerned, you've returned what they've originally sent. Another SE'er could've used the sealed box method, and you just happened to purchase his/her return.
Quote:It's not a theft-related Incident, hence a PR Is Immaterial.Aha, that clarifies the significance/ situational use of PRs. Didn't know that prior; thanks!
Quote:If an Investigation Is opened, the claim will be Instantly declined.Right. Hopefully the RAM I'm trying to EB (124g) makes it through..
As stated above, the maximum weight Is around 120 grams- and that's pushing It to Its absolute limit.
Quote:My intent with this question was more to characterise the events likely to occur after the potential uncovering of my SE in the event that the same GPU be used in the upgrading of a customer's machine (again, the third party business in question also provides repairs - this I know from simply looking them up).Quote:Finally - if the third party seller also offers PC repairs, is it logical to assume there is an increased risk of the SE being uncovered (in the event that the GPU is used for upgrading / repair)?On the grounds you've SEd the GPU from the third party seller Itself, how will It reflect on the repairs offered by the same seller?
A sidenote: this is the first time I've used quotes - apologies for any errors in formatting.
(06-16-2021, 07:35 AM)Waifu Wrote:Quote:From what I understand, and considering the large weight (1.6kg) of the item, I believe the DNA method to be optimal, however if an OTP is required, the sealed box method or the wrong item method to be the most optimal.
Correct, the DNA would be optimal if no signature/OTP is required. Though you can claim that you didn't sign the package as anyone could have signed it. Just make sure if you do sign it, scribble it in a way that makes it unreadable.
Quote:Regarding the sealed box method;
If the item comes with warranty sticker-style peeling stickers as the only seal preventing opening of the box - would a successful removal of the stickers in their original form, followed by exchange with an item of same weight, and successful reapplication of the sticker (again in its original form) and a return, be met with a check of the item inside after the return process?
Regarding the sealed box method, your goal is to box and pack everything back into its original condition. You will have to carefully open your product without damaging the seal and the packaging. Any signs of inconsistencies and/or tampering would lead to the package being checked.
Quote:Also, if the item is checked and the SE uncovered, what may the consequences be?
As stated per above, if the item is checked, then you have simply failed your sealed box method. The item will only be checked if the packaging or the seal is damaged and your job is to MAKE sure that everything looks completely normal in its factory form. Though, if the SE is uncovered, the consequences can be that you will be rebilled, or even actions being taken depending on the situation.
Quote:When using the wrong item method, what implications does a highly priced item bring - would amazon be inclined to raise a police report? And if so, what actions must be taken?
The wrong item method won't affect you as it is not a theft-related incident as mothered states per below. Make sure when using this method, do not state what wrong item you have received - only state if the rep asks. If for example you stated that you received a hard drive instead, the third party can contact the carrier, and ask them to simply check the weight of the product and show if it matches your description of the "wrong" product.
In simpler terms, if you purchase a GPU (1.6kg) and state that you received a hard drive instead (0.5kg) that can go to show that you might be lying and therefore require a police report. Though, what you can do is lookup on google for items that weigh the same as the GPU you have to not raise any suspicions .
Quote:I'm also curious about the EB method - is this still feasible with a high item weight (~1.6kg)? Or a high item price (£1650)?
NO! NO! NO! As @mothered states in his blogs, your product should not EXCEED 120 grams and that's really pushing it. Why? It's because items that weigh above 120 grams can register as weight on consignment and therefore proving that your item is in fact there.
Quote:Finally - if the third party seller also offers PC repairs, is it logical to assume there is an increased risk of the SE being uncovered (in the event that the GPU is used for upgrading / repair)? And what would be the consequences under that circumstance?
I don't know about this one, but I'm guessing once you SE an item, you are basically getting rid of your "warranty". In that case, the third party will be suspicious and take actions. So don't do it. Just simply go repair your GPU at a nearby repairs shop. Really... If you successfully end up getting a refund from a GPU you have enough money to pay and fix it.
I might be wrong though, so I will be waiting on @mothered for his response.
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
If you do end up being asked to file a police report, you can go ahead and file one as that's part of the companies protocol. You can file a PR either online or to your nearest police department. A police report can take weeks or even months to process. Therefore, when you get your police report, show it to the third party and claim your refund. Afterwards, make sure you contact the PR and ask them that you have found your package and/or fixed the issue.
Another thing to mention, SEing third parties can be hard as their refunding protocol can differ from other parties. So just keep that in mind, some of them will take things extremely serious.
Hope this helps,
Have a nice day!
THanks a lot for this info dump - it's expanding my SE knowledge veery quickly
D
RE: GPU SE Advice - mothered - 06-16-2021
(06-16-2021, 05:09 PM)aertergaery Wrote: THanks a lot for this info dump - it's expanding my SE knowledge veery quicklyPlease keep us updated as developments unfold.
RE: GPU SE Advice - aertergaery - 06-16-2021
(06-16-2021, 05:42 PM)mothered Wrote:(06-16-2021, 05:09 PM)aertergaery Wrote: THanks a lot for this info dump - it's expanding my SE knowledge veery quicklyPlease keep us updated as developments unfold.
Will do! Also, kindly, note that I answered the questions you had put my way, although this is in the first part of my previous double reply (meant to both answer your questions, and thank @Waifu ). Based on my answers to those questions / ideas, what do you think is the right method to utilise (considering company size and very limited stock)?