Resellers warned over counterfeit memory

Fake Hynix sticks hit the UK market

The channel is on the lookout for counterfeit memory in the UK after a notice sent out by memory manufacturer Hynix warned that counterfeit memory modules, branded as Hynix sticks, are being sold in the UK. Hynix was not available for comment.

Dave Flack, sales and marketing director at memory distributor Memory Plus, said: "There has been much speculation in the market that re-market Hynix product has been around.

"A number of companies have been implicated on the grapevine, but it is difficult to believe that any of them would knowingly attempt to resell such product.

"We would expect that a memory distributor would be capable of identifying fake products."

Glenn Morrison, director at Upgrade Distribution, said: "Counterfeit memory has always been circulating in the channel. It used to be very obvious, but now the counterfeiters are producing exceptionally good copies."

By using established brands companies can guarantee the authenticity of their products.

Anne Keefe, sales director for UK and Ireland at memory manufacturer Kingston, explained that her company has stringent procedures in place to prevent counterfeiting.

"We can always identify our memory," she said. "Channel partners can send us samples, and we can tell straight away if it is genuine.

"Obviously, because the price of memory is increasing again, this is an area that counterfeiters will concentrate on. But if resellers stick to authorised distributors they should not experience this problem."