Two Unrelated Buyers Returned Balloons in Identical Polybags Instead of Comforter Sets – Suspected Coordinated Return Fraud
Hi Amazon team and fellow sellers,
I’m writing to report two separate incidents that appear to be cases of coordinated return fraud involving our comforter sets.
In both situations, the buyers ordered a 3-piece comforter set, requested a return/refund, and then shipped back a polybag that did not contain any of the original product and package. Instead, both returns included a small bag of deflated balloons.
Here are the details:
Case 1 – Order ID: 113-5946448-2297000
Buyer claimed to return the item and requested a full refund.
Returned package contained balloons, not the comforter set.
Case 2 – Order ID: 112-9681525-4290600
Different buyer, but the same situation occurred.
Returned package again contained only deflated balloons.
What’s especially strange is that both buyers appear unrelated, yet both used the exact same size and type of poly mailer and returned the same type of balloons. This seems too coincidental and raises concern of potentially organized fraudulent behavior.
We’re hoping the Amazon team can:
Investigate both accounts and flag any patterns of abuse.
Prevent automatic refunds when a return clearly does not match the item shipped.
Offer seller-side protection in cases like these where photographic evidence is available.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? We’d love any input or advice.
Thanks in advance for your support and attention to this matter.
Two Unrelated Buyers Returned Balloons in Identical Polybags Instead of Comforter Sets – Suspected Coordinated Return Fraud
Hi Amazon team and fellow sellers,
I’m writing to report two separate incidents that appear to be cases of coordinated return fraud involving our comforter sets.
In both situations, the buyers ordered a 3-piece comforter set, requested a return/refund, and then shipped back a polybag that did not contain any of the original product and package. Instead, both returns included a small bag of deflated balloons.
Here are the details:
Case 1 – Order ID: 113-5946448-2297000
Buyer claimed to return the item and requested a full refund.
Returned package contained balloons, not the comforter set.
Case 2 – Order ID: 112-9681525-4290600
Different buyer, but the same situation occurred.
Returned package again contained only deflated balloons.
What’s especially strange is that both buyers appear unrelated, yet both used the exact same size and type of poly mailer and returned the same type of balloons. This seems too coincidental and raises concern of potentially organized fraudulent behavior.
We’re hoping the Amazon team can:
Investigate both accounts and flag any patterns of abuse.
Prevent automatic refunds when a return clearly does not match the item shipped.
Offer seller-side protection in cases like these where photographic evidence is available.
Has anyone else experienced something similar? We’d love any input or advice.
Thanks in advance for your support and attention to this matter.
110 replies
Seller_CVFHhedDuSeYu
I had a buyer on eBay do this... I wonder if this is some Tik-Toc thing?
eBay covered the refund to the buyer.
Xander_Amazon
American Home - since posting, any updates from support on your claims? I'd imagine you took photos that you submitted to them as well?
Seller_tYCyXtQqFRs9J
We have been having the same issue recently.
I have received stickers, rubber ducks, and pop it bracelets.
Would love to see if you received any response from Amazon in regards to these scams.
Seller_eMI63FXsAr596
This has now happened to us three times—it’s a return scam. Just like you, we received a very low-value item sent back in place of the original product. The package looked legitimate, with a professionally printed thermal label and shipped in a poly bag.
Here’s exactly what we did to fight it—and so far, we’ve won every time:
1. Document Everything
Take clear photos of the unopened package (front and back).
Open the package on camera with someone else taking the pictures or video.
Photograph the item that was returned—especially showing it's not the original product.
Be sure to hold the low-value item next to the shipping label and packaging for proof.
2. Message the Buyer Through Amazon
Use the "Other Issue" option on the order page and send a message like this:
Hi [Buyer’s Name],
We received your return for order 1XX-11XXXXX-4XXXXXX, but unfortunately, the item you sent back is not the product we originally shipped. Instead, we received a different, low-value item that does not match what was ordered.
We’ve reported this to Amazon and are disputing the refund. They may contact you for more information during their investigation.
If you believe there’s been a mistake, feel free to share any details or documentation.
Thank you,
[Your Name / Company Name]
Attach your photos to this message.
3. File a Safe-T Claim
File the Safe-T claim through Amazon and include a note like:
Regarding order 1XX-1XXXXX-4XXXXXX:
The buyer claimed "Wrong item was sent" but returned a completely different, low-value item instead of the original product. Attached are photos of the return package and the incorrect item.
The original shipment weight was 12oz; the return weighed only 1oz, confirming that the original product was not returned. This is part of a known scam targeting Amazon sellers.
Please reverse the refund and protect our account. Thank you.
Attach the same photos you used when messaging the buyer—these are required for the Safe-T claim.
4. Report the Buyer
I also reported the buyer for return abuse through Amazon’s official channels.
We’ve followed this exact process in all three cases and received full refunds each time—not just partial ones. This is blatant fraud, and you have every right to fight it. Stick to the facts, be thorough, and document everything.
Seller_Zw8LsZUQSH440
The root of the problem is the refund at first scan policy. This should be ended, and buyers should receive a refund only after the seller has a chance to inspect the return.
Seller_EIvjZFMoS70AU
If the poly bags were clear with green writing or graphics on them, then they were originally items returned to Amazon, evaluated as sellable, then thrown into a crappy polybag and placed back into stock, however, with your ASIN sticker on them instead of the ASIN associated with the balloons. Then your customer gets these balloons instead of your product, returns them, and gives you a scathing review.
This may or may not be what happened in your case, but since it occurred with two unrelated customers, it's a possible cause.
Seller_roNdLQpqbVoOH
I see that @Joey_Amazon(who suggested elsewhere that you open this new thread) hasn't responded here, but @Xander_Amazonhas.
Is there some reason you have not been back to this thread...at all? It's been two weeks!
Like @Xander_Amazon, I'm sure many of us would like an update on this odd occurrence.
Seller_ZGYj8ln429zvV
This is why I would like to see Amazon implement BUYER metrics.. Something has to be done about the problem "customers". They can ruin our metrics and our livelihood without risk of getting banhammered... Yet even when we do nothing wrong we still risk the wrath of Amazon coming down upon us.
Seller_lCX40xAkSs1xm
This happens all the time. It is a Tik-Tok trend showing how to scam Amazon 3rd party sellers out of their money.
Good luck!
