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Amazon is the top eCommerce site in the United States, attracting over 2.4 billion monthly visits. Offering a vast range of products, from food and clothing to electronics, Amazon is known for its affordable prices.
Some individuals are tempted by the idea of acquiring free items through what is known as the Amazon refund trick. However, engaging in this practice is illegal and has led to individuals facing legal consequences, including imprisonment. It is strongly advised against attempting this trick due to its unlawful nature.
This article will explore what the Amazon refund trick entails and why it should be avoided.
What is Amazon’s return policy?
Amazon’s return policy allows customers to return items within 30 days of shipment. While most products are eligible for returns, certain items like downloadable software and specific health and personal care orders cannot be returned.
A refund or replacement is possible for damaged or defective non-returnable items. To determine the return window for a particular item, visit “Your Orders” and select “Return or Replace Items.”
For additional details on Amazon’s return policy, see here.
How to get a refund from Amazon
The refund amount and method can vary when you return an item to Amazon. To track your refund, check the payment method and refund status in “Your Orders.”
You can choose your preferred refund method in the Online Returns Center when returning an item.
After the carrier receives your item, Amazon may take up to two weeks (or up to 30 days for certain items) to process the return. Typically, returns are processed within 3 to 5 business days after the carrier delivers the item to the Returns Center.
For quicker access to your refund, you can choose the Instant Refund option, if available. Instant Refunds are credited to your credit card or provided as an Amazon.com Gift Card balance. Remember to return your items within 30 days to use the Instant Refund option.
What is the Amazon refund trick?
The Amazon refund trick is a method that enables customers to receive refunds for delivered items without the need to return them.
Amazon may issue refunds without requiring a return in cases where the delivered items are incorrect or damaged. Additionally, for lower-cost items, Amazon may opt for a refund without return, as the return shipping cost could exceed the item’s value.
It’s important to note that some customers exploit this refund policy by claiming refunds and keeping the items without returning them.
How does the Amazon refund trick work?
Some people have defrauded Amazon of thousands of dollars by complaining about their delivery or the product itself.
How the scheme works is simple:
After purchasing an item on Amazon, the buyer falsely reports the product as faulty or damaged or claims to have received an empty box. Subsequently, Amazon refunds the entire purchase amount.
In some cases, individuals request a refund but return an item of considerably lower value, essentially tricking Amazon.
Perpetrators often create fake Amazon accounts, closing them once they secure their refund. It’s important to note that the Amazon refund trick is illegal, and engaging in such activities is strongly discouraged.
Illegitimate ways people attempt Amazon refunds without returning items
Getting a refund from Amazon without returning the item is possible, but it involves illegal practices that can lead to legal consequences.
Here’s a common method people use:
1. Create a new Amazon account
Sometimes, people create a new Amazon account so they can request a refund without raising suspicion from their original profile.
The process of creating a new account is simple and involves providing basic information such as name, email address, and password. Additionally, one must choose a payment method, which can be a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or Amazon gift card.
2. Use a VPN for anonymity
Many resort to using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to hide their IP address, adding an extra layer of anonymity to their activities.
3. Place initial orders
To appear as a legitimate customer, those attempting the refund trick make a few small, inexpensive orders. This helps establish the account as reliable in Amazon’s eyes.
4. Make the targeted order
After creating the appearance of a reputable account, the individual places an order they intend to refund. Choosing a pickup location not too close to their actual address is common. They then act in haste during the pickup, avoiding unpacking the order until they return home.
5. Request a refund
Once the product is received, the person contacts Amazon for a refund. This can be done via phone, email, or by submitting a complaint through their Amazon account. They typically claim to have received an empty box, a damaged item, a faulty product, a fake item, or an incorrect item.
6. Receive refund without returning the product
If they succeed, the individual receives a refund without returning the product. It’s worth noting that people rarely use this method from the same account more than once, as it increases the risk of detection.
In summary, while getting an Amazon refund without returning an item is technically possible, engaging in such practices is against the law and can lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment.
Why you shouldn’t try the Amazon refund trick
Engaging in the Amazon refund trick is against the law. Some may believe exploiting Amazon’s wealth justifies such actions, but legality remains unchanged.
While Amazon boasts a substantial revenue of $514 billion in 2022, attempting to scam any entity, regardless of size, is illegal. The consequences can be severe.
Amazon is intensifying efforts to combat fraud associated with its refund policy, resulting in the apprehension of numerous scammers who now face serious consequences.
- James Gilbert Kwarteng, residing in Spain, devised an elaborate scheme to exploit Amazon’s refund system. His method involved returning boxes filled with dirt instead of the purchased items. Kwarteng successfully scammed Amazon, amassing $370,000 in fraudulent refunds. Subsequently, he was apprehended and released on bail for $3,300.
- Farhaad Riyaz, a Virginia-based dermatologist, ordered high-value items from Amazon only to return lower-cost alternatives. This fraudulent scheme yielded him over $300,000 worth of goods. However, Amazon uncovered the deception, leading to legal repercussions. Riyaz now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Refraining from attempting to scam Amazon or any other entity is crucial, as it can lead to serious legal consequences.
How do I get a 100% refund from Amazon?
Return the item in its original condition during the specified return period. Amazon usually allows refunds for eligible items within 30 days of delivery, though certain items may have distinct return policies.
Ensure the returned item meets Amazon’s refund criteria. If the return aligns with these conditions, you’ll receive a complete refund covering the item’s cost and any applicable taxes or fees paid.
Can Amazon ban you for too many refunds?
Yes, Amazon may suspend your account if they suspect fraudulent activity or abuse of their refund policy. They closely track customer accounts for unusually high numbers of returns and refunds.
If they determine a violation of their policies, they can ban the account. It’s crucial to adhere to Amazon’s return and refund guidelines, only seeking refunds for legitimate issues with your purchases.
The bottom line
While the Amazon refund trick is frequently discussed online to secure refunds from Amazon without returning items, it is important to note that this practice is illegal.
Attempting this method may result in fraud charges, making it a high-risk endeavor. It is strongly advised against.