This report is based on the public dispute of user Classic-Kev, who purchased a so-called "Corporate AI Power Node" from PAI3.AI for $31,000. According to user Classic-Kev, the device was advertised as a high-performance server for AI inference (inference mining) with a promise of passive income and a payout of 150,000 $PAI3 tokens over three years. However, after months of delays, the customer opened the custom case and found an ordinary consumer Apple Mac Mini inside, which has a retail price of around $700–$900.

According to user Classic-Kev, the company's CEO personally initiated the deal, flying out to the customer after an ACH payment failed in order to persuade him to transfer the funds via wire transfer. When the buyer discovered the equipment swap and demanded a refund, it was only offered on the condition of signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and returning the device for "inspection." Furthermore, according to user Classic-Kev, the company threatened federal charges, claiming that opening the case voided the right to a refund, forcing him to defend himself in court. In turn, user Classic-Kev has already filed a bank fraud complaint, contacted the FBI, and consulted with a lawyer regarding securities fraud.

Discussion participants criticized the actions of both the company and the buyer himself, pointing out the obvious red flags of the impending scam. According to user BeringC, the CEO's personal flight to convince the buyer to wire $31,000 should have been the main warning sign. According to user WishboneHot8050, the PAI3 website looks AI-generated, lacks technical documentation, and uses nothing but a set of buzzwords, which is typical for scam projects in the crypto industry. According to user Few_Mention8426, running AI models does not require $31,000 worth of equipment, as standard consumer graphics cards can handle this task.