The 9 Million mAh Power Bank Scam: What Really Happened

In a world where tech specs can be wildly exaggerated, one power bank listing promised the impossible—and delivered a shocking reality check.

I’ve seen some bold claims in the tech world, but this one took the cake. A power bank boasting a massive 9 million milliamp hours (mAh)—a capacity so enormous it would dwarf even the most premium portable chargers—was being sold for just over $10. That’s less than the cost of a decent coffee in most cities. Naturally, I was skeptical. Very skeptical.

To put that claim into perspective: the highly regarded $150 Anker PowerCore 24K packs 24,000 mAh. To match the 9 million mAh claim, you’d need to buy 375 Anker units, spend $35,000, and lug around a brick that definitely wouldn’t fit in your palm. So, in the name of science (and a healthy dose of curiosity), I ordered one.

What Arrived Was… Concerning

When the package arrived, the first red flag was the complete absence of any mention of 9 million mAh on the box. Instead, there were multiple typos plastered across the packaging—never a good sign for a tech product.

Then came the second red flag: the power bank was completely dead on arrival. No lights, no response, nothing. I tried charging it. Still nothing. At this point, my expectations were low, but I wasn’t ready to give up just yet.

Inside the Deception

Frustrated but undeterred, I decided to crack it open. Using a plastic pry tool (safety first—this thing contained lithium-ion batteries), I carefully disassembled the unit. And then, surprisingly, it blinked to life for a few seconds while I was poking around inside. A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

Once I got the case open, the problem was obvious: one of the battery wires had come completely disconnected. Not only did this explain why it wasn’t working, but it also posed a serious safety hazard—a loose wire in a lithium-ion battery pack can lead to short circuits, overheating, or even fire.

The Truth Behind the Numbers

Inside, I found three no-name 18650 lithium-ion cells. Using a multimeter, I measured their capacity: each was around 2,000 mAh. That means the entire pack had a total capacity of just 6,000 mAh—a far cry from the advertised 9 million mAh. In fact, it’s less than a quarter of what a single Anker PowerCore 24K offers.

These cells were almost certainly old recycled units or factory seconds. Even budget 18650 cells typically have a capacity closer to 2,300 mAh. The fact that these were underperforming suggests they were pulled from old laptop batteries or other discarded electronics.

The Bigger Problem: Fake Specs Are Everywhere

This isn’t just a one-off scam. Exaggerated claims are rampant in the budget electronics market, especially on third-party marketplaces. Unscrupulous sellers use fake specs to lure in buyers, then deliver subpar products built from cheap, potentially dangerous components.

The real kicker? This power bank didn’t even come with a proper warranty. The so-called “warranty certificate” was a joke—a poorly printed piece of paper with more typos than actual information.

What You Should Buy Instead

If you’re in the market for a reliable, safe power bank, don’t fall for the hype. Spend a little more and get something that actually delivers. For example, the Baseus 10,000mAh power bank is a solid choice at around $20. It’s well-built, charges efficiently, and won’t leave you stranded—or worse, put your safety at risk.

Bottom Line: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. In the world of tech, specs can lie, but safety and performance don’t. Always do your research, read reviews, and buy from reputable brands. Your devices—and your peace of mind—will thank you.

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