@onenote said in USB flash drive ripoffs--what to do?:
Thanks. I use flash drives for long term backup of valuable data so I need to go extra steps to help with reliability. Looks like:
buy from reliable supplier who allows refunds
look for signs of counterfeiting in packaging and drive. I ran across some things to look for by doing a search.
Run H2testw suggested by zapjb if the drive is small enough so the test finishes in a reasonable time.
Otherwise try the FakeFlashTest program
Do a test of the data on the drive after creating the backup. How long to wait–a few weeks?
In my experience if teh size is faked the data will be corrupted immediately once you exceed the native capacity of the card. You should detect this earlier in your steps however. Actually I’d suggest in addition to above always make multiple backups of “valuable data” and if really valuable store in multiple locations. Three copies stored in your desk won’t do much good after a fire in the space.
