Stores and cash returns

[mclasser]

I've noticed more and more stores ask for personal info like name, address, phone number, etc when doing returns where I paid in cash. Some even scan your ID into their system. When I ask the clerk why this is needed, he/she just recites the line of "company policy" for cash returns. If I'm returning the product in its box with all the tags and a receipt, I shouldn't need to have all my personal info entered into some database just to get my money back. For credit cards, the store knows your personal info the moment you swipe your card. But why do they need it for cash returns?

 

[mrsilv04]

In all honesty, if you don't like their policies, then stop doing business there.

They're doing it to discourage fraud. You could be buying an item with cash, then stealing a second one, then returning the stolen one with the receipt from the one you bought, for cash.

 

[ronbo]

By law once you buy an item the contract is complete and the store doesn't have to return money. Some stores like SEARS are getting smarter. A return item and you are given a store gift card in the return amount.

 

[zach1900]

You're paying for losers that get $300 a month worth of diapers and formula from us tax payers then return themy for cash. Ever been to Walmart to make a legitimate return and seen start people are returning?

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
I
They're doing it to discourage fraud. You could be buying an item with cash, then stealing a second one, then returning the stolen one with the receipt from the one you bought, for cash.


That's elaborate, why not just steal the second one?

I think the clever crooks wander around the parking lot finding receipts from cash payers then go steal the same thing and return it.

I oh so rarely return stuff that it still amazes me how friendly stores are to allow it at all.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: zach1900
You're paying for losers that get $300 a month worth of diapers and formula from us tax payers then return themy for cash. Ever been to Walmart to make a legitimate return and seen start people are returning?


You want to feel ill, search for baby formula on craigslist. There are "buyers" out there too, does the stuff wind up on shelves at corner mom & pop stores for a 2nd go-round?

 

[supton]

Originally Posted By: zach1900
You're paying for losers that get $300 a month worth of diapers and formula from us tax payers then return themy for cash. Ever been to Walmart to make a legitimate return and seen start people are returning?


I try real hard to only go first thing in the morning. Seems like a zoo any other time.

I have returned a few things recently at Walmart; no issues. Then again they just credited my card back, as I pretty much only use credit cards to buy things.

 

[Clevy]

There's a scam going lately.

People shoplift various items. They then return these items for cash or in store credit.
They then sell this credit for less than the credit is worth.
Stores have caught on. They take your info to establish patterns.
You ever see on Craigslist or kijiji gift cards for sale for less than the cards credit. It's likely stolen merchandise.

 

[NHGUY]

Where I work,reurns have to be "validated" against a sale.So no invoice,you will be asked where you bought it,what it was for,how much it cost....and it had better match.Say you got it 2 weeks ago,and it shows no sales for 6 months....sorry..

 

[Clevy]

Originally Posted By: NHGUY
Where I work,reurns have to be "validated" against a sale.So no invoice,you will be asked where you bought it,what it was for,how much it cost....and it had better match.Say you got it 2 weeks ago,and it shows no sales for 6 months....sorry..


Most big box stores don't have this validation. I've witnessed people actually steal products and walk straight over to the returns desk.

Ballsy for sure.
Heck this lady was doing this scam and actually had Walmart security help her take the stolen items out of her cart and place it at the returns desk.
It was maybe 10 years ago. She's the one who told me how the scam worked.

 

[dlundblad]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Originally Posted By: zach1900
You're paying for losers that get $300 a month worth of diapers and formula from us tax payers then return themy for cash. Ever been to Walmart to make a legitimate return and seen start people are returning?


You want to feel ill, search for baby formula on craigslist. There are "buyers" out there too, does the stuff wind up on shelves at corner mom & pop stores for a 2nd go-round?


Hmm. I am betting this stuff was bought by someone under the WIC program (with our tax dollars of course..) They'd prefer the money and the guberment isn't smart enough to do drug tests on people receiving welfare. Heck somebody here posted a CL link to a food stamp card a while back...