When Your RAM is Gone Before Boot: The Rise in Tech-Theft Headaches

One user on the American forum Reddit with the nickname AvidThinkpadEnjoyer reported the theft of brand-new Crucial 32GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM RAM. Instead of the RAM, they received an empty package. According to tracking data, the package was “delivered” at 4:15 am… with a forged signature.

Forum users note that small and expensive computer components often disappear during delivery. Sometimes they are replaced with cheap goods or marked as delivered before the recipient checks the package. Until recently, RAM was not among the expensive components, but in recent weeks, RAM prices have soared, and it is now among the “high-risk components.”

The rise in such incidents sparks discussions about who is responsible for the loss. In the UK, the seller is legally responsible for the parcel until its actual transfer to the buyer. In the US, there is also an increase in complaints related to delivery. Buyers often need to obtain a case number from the police before the store begins the refund process. Meanwhile, many complain about being bounced between the store, the courier, and the police, with each party trying to shift responsibility to another.

Previously reported that amid the RAM market crisis, major US retailers stopped displaying RAM prices in retail stores. Over the past month, consumers have noticed actual price drops for RAM products. However, the fear of theft remains significant due to previous cases where items vanished even before reaching the consumer’s door.

Recent movements in consumer protection laws in both the US and UK have started addressing these concerns. Some legislation is in the draft stages, focusing on enhancing accountability of third-party courier services.