Return fraud isn't rare. It's routine.
By naftuli-goldstein-237640106 · September 18, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
Return fraud isn't rare. It's routine.
This is an Asics return, worn and abused for months. You could practically smell it through the photo. The customer bought a new pair of Hokas and returned these Asics in their place, hoping nobody would check the actual shoe against the actual order.
The refund already went out before this ever crossed our desk. Our job is catching it after the fact: documenting the evidence and filing the claim to get that money back (Amazon FBA), or notifying the vendor directly with proof so they can act on it.
Wardrobing costs retailers billions a year. Most of it slides through because nobody's checking closely enough after the return lands.
We check closely. That's the job.