- Seagate exos and Ironwolf Pro Hdds are main objectives for scammers
- Scammers alter QR codes and even drive serial numbers
- Toshiba and Western Digital are not as directed as Seagate – because?
The controversy of the scammers that modify the useful hard drives of Seagate to seem without using despite having been fed for thousands of hours.
The HDD exos were initially attacked, but the new evidence of Heise (through computer, both originally in German) suggests that Ironwolf and Ironwolf Pro nas, with capabilities between 8 TB and 16 TB, are now also being taken to the scam.
The pre-managed units of the fastest hard drives may seem new if the key data such as intelligent parameters (self-monitoring, analysis and technology of reports) are handled.
How scammers manipulate hard drive data
It has been found that some of these units have registered more than 27,000 hours of operation. However, users can verify the true condition of a unit using tools such as smartmontools to recover hidden operational data.
The scammers also alter product labels and QR codes to avoid the Seagate guarantee verification system. Instead of directing users to a page that shows precise product details, these modified QR codes redirect to Seagate guarantee verification, but do not provide the serial number or storage capacity.
Another method used is the manipulation of the serial number, in which the scammers take series of newer units and attach them to old units, deceiving the Seagate system to show a prolonged guarantee period.
However, this system often calculates exactly five years warranty from its supposed production date, which is a possible red flag that worried customers can investigate.
Experts suggest that potential buyers can verify certain records, such as self -expression records or SATA Phy events, to determine whether a unit has been previously used.
Seagate has recognized the problem, confirming that fraudulent practices are affecting Ironwolf and HDD exos. Currently, the company is investigating the matter to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, buyers are advised to be cautious when buying hard drives seagate from unofficial vendors and verify the details of the product using multiple sources before making a purchase.
Until now, there have been no confirmed reports of similar scams that involve Toshiba or Western digital hard drives (WD). This raises the question: Why is Seagate the main objective?
A possible reason is that Seagate’s verification system is based on data than scammers find it easier to manipulate; Unlike Seagate, WD and Toshiba do not use the same agricultural values system.
