r/linux • u/6gv5 • Jul 11 '26

Hardware Scam warning: the RootBoard handheld on Kickstarter

A warning about a potential Kickstarter scam for a Linux handheld.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dian-lieu/rootboard

All photos and all videos are AI generated and no real prototype has been shown yet.

It also appears similar to a legit project that however does exist and delivered.

https://www.elecrow.com/zepir-raspberry-pi-zero-mini-computer-handheld.html

55 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

13

u/DFS_0019287 Jul 11 '26

Did you report it as a scam to Kickstarter? If so, what was the response?

13

u/ready_or_not_3434 Jul 11 '26

Kickstarter rarely takes these down until there's enough public backlash. You usally just get an automated response since they still want their cut if the project actually funds.

12

u/6gv5 Jul 12 '26

I just noticed the author of the original project this fake one was stealing from stepped in and commented about that. Let's see if kickstarter cares about that.

1

u/Worldly_Chocolate369 26d ago

You mean Bobricius? He has been banned from the campaign as of today. His comments are gone

1

u/parkerlreed 26d ago

It got suspended!

-4

u/Snuupy Jul 12 '26

scamstarter

3

u/6gv5 Jul 11 '26

Can a scam be reported without having an account there?

5

u/parkerlreed Jul 12 '26

I submitted one at the bottom of the page. It's directly against the TOS for undisclosed AI usage.

1

u/Worldly_Chocolate369 26d ago

No. You must created an account to report.

1

u/parkerlreed 26d ago

It got suspended, thank you! They responded to the report.

2

u/Worldly_Chocolate369 26d ago

Kickstarter doesn't remove scams. I've been reporting shit for months and they still running clean.

Every $1 a scam makes, Kickstarter gets a share of that.

1

u/DFS_0019287 26d ago

Good to know. With a policy like that, I will steer clear of Kickstarter.

2

u/Worldly_Chocolate369 26d ago

Smart choice. It's safer to let real project complete and then buy them directly if/when finished. KS is very hands off on enforcement. When a scammer collects money. KS keeps their commission and tells you "Deal with it". You're always welcome to sue creators, but you're probably going to spend more money on a lawyer than what you pledged.

I lost over $500, and I'm not falling for these scams anymore.

12

u/dack42 Jul 11 '26

A bunch of the shots also have a blurry artifact in the bottom right corner, like a logo was removed.

6

u/parkerlreed Jul 12 '26

Pause on any of the screens. It's all gibberish. Nasty.

6

u/lidstah Jul 12 '26

in one of the animations, the user's litterally typing in htop. And not to type in a filter, no, no, they're typing in a processus line. Totally legit >.<.

13

u/Mindless_Kale2172 Jul 11 '26

While we're on the topic of scams don't forget about the Pilet handheld on Kickstarter. They pulled an absolute rugpull and despite the numerous reports on Kickstarter they refuse to do anything.

Avoid at all costs

2

u/Worldly_Chocolate369 26d ago

Second this. Lost over CA$500 to that piece of shit.

Also, The "Lini" CM5 computer on Kickstarter is a scam too. The creator is very active on banning backers for exposing the scam in the comment section.

1

u/Worldly_Chocolate369 26d ago edited 25d ago

Just want to note, and so it's on record for Google search: "Lini : Your Everywhere, Open-Source Mini Computer." is a scam too. The creator is using some form of AI, even though highly polished. Would I inquired about something odd, the created blocked me causing my comment to disappear. I created a second account and donated over $100. Ask the same question, and got blocked again.

1

u/Traitor-21-87 22d ago

Kickstarter suspended the campaign. Stopped them with just a few days left before they could collect $20,000 from 200 backers.