LOL! Don't buy from farnell, mouser, or digikey? They've all had issues with fakes getting into the supply. Are we supposed to just up and boycott them all? And, once I've exhausted the top 3 distributors, now where do I go? I'm sure I can just call up FTDI and order 10k chips on a weekly basis right?

Actually, that's a pretty good idea. Anyone who works in supply chain, switch to ordering directly from FTDI. They'll soon realize the folly in this decision.

It's their responsibility to make sure that they're selling me what they promised me. If they can't do that, then maybe I shouldn't be purchasing from them.

Ok fine. Link me the spec that allows me to determine whether an FTDI part is genuine and I'll gladly inform the supply chain, manufacturing and testing teams I work with to reference that spec moving forward. Until then, we have to avoid anything with an FTDI brand as there's no way to be sure. Going with whomever I think is the most reputable supplier and then praying my products aren't bricked at some point in the future isn't the solution.

Again, that is all their responsibility.

Who is this they you are referring to? If ftdi doesn't provide specs, resellers can't create them out of thin air. My only option is to not buy ftdi.

I didn't say it was effective, its a tricky problem to curb.

Or better yet, you just stay away from FTDI, knowing that their capriciousness can lead to customers' devices being bricked or disabled in various ways.

The CH340G is really a nice and cheap chip. And I'm starting to see it in more established American designs too (as opposed to Chinese designed electronics).

For FTDI, their battle is becoming (has become?) a Pyrrhic victory.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrrhic_victory

I probably won't by FTDI either!