Not all rtlsdr boards are created equal, and some are rather limited in scanning range. The sellers know this, and bait-and-switch with inferior models is a common scam.

I am almost certain if you plug in that dongle, and type into a command terminal:

 lsusb

Then search the web for your  xxxx:yyyy USB ID model.

You will likely see that it is not a true 820T mixer chip inside.  This will mean you will be limited to below whatever range cutoff frequency your hardware can handle. 

Note, there are better RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U versions around which even have a bias-t (for external LNA) and 50 ohm built-in (normal RF module support). Also, the more stable 1ppm clock source will actually allow you to use the GHz ranges with some degree of scan repeatability. For $30 it is probably the lowest cost entry level SDR model, and is 1/10 the cost of a limeSDR system. 

Cheers,

J

Examples of various versions:

• Elonics E4000 (52MHz to 1100MHz / 1250MHz to 2200MHz)
• Rafael Micro R820T (24MHz to 1766 MHz)
• Fitipower FC0013 (22MHz to 1100 MHz )
• Fitipower FC0012 (22MHz t0 948.6MHz )
• FCI FC2580 (146MHz to 308MHz / 438MHz to 924MHz)

Plug in your USB dongle again and run the test program:
rtl_test -t

If it confirms you have a "FC0012", than you cannot scan 1090MHz.  However, it should still work for projects like AIS on 168MHz etc.  

I would suggest you leave feedback warning other buyers of this obviously lower frequency unit.

73