The solution to this problem seems very simple to me: Do not allow returns on products types where markings are the ONLY visible thing that differences between SKUs. CPUs are such a product, where different tiers look physically identical, with just the letters written on the heat-spreader telling what it is. You can send it for warranty, of course, but not just "return, no question asked".

wavetrex:

The solution to this problem seems very simple to me: Do not allow returns on products types where markings are the ONLY visible thing that differences between SKUs. CPUs are such a product, where different tiers look physically identical, with just the letters written on the heat-spreader telling what it is.

That is not the solution. There are consumer protection laws, they can't just not accept returns. This is a long standing Amazon problem with fake products and fake reviews, so this is for Amazon to figure out.

Amazon only really care about Prime membership, not a lot else. Their AWS are mostly used for spam.

Not sure I understand the problem. Unless it's actually counterfeit and being sold first time by the seller as a fake 13900k, in which case they can just get a hold of the seller/blacklist them, whatever, otherwise it's the last person who sent the product back to them that did the swap and they know who that is surely!? How do people get away with swapping items out and not get found out when the product is then resold to someone else?

If Amazon wasn't a bazillion dollar corporation (that treats its employees as cogs), it could actually check the product returned is actually the same product the customer had previously bought. However, as it is, I reckon Amazon simply doesn't care. The employees don't care either. I don't recall reading stories about this from much smaller shops, so either it doesn't happen with them or it just doesn't make it to the news.

On online buy we have 14 day of free return without reason needed, by the law... and so amazon, but amazon never control the product when back. Someone tried the amazon trick with us: order a PS5, keep the PS5 and put sand in plastic to match the PS5 weight in the box, return the fake PS5 and get refund. We go to police and in the end he paid the PS5 + the send of the sand instead of PS5 + the bill of the law process... (and get banned from us too)... simple, long i agree, but efficient.

I bet this guy bought it from a third-party seller. But I think Amazon should have a more strict return policy for high-end expensive items like a cpu where when they are returned, it actually goes through a more thorough inspection before being cleared. But it's a rule of thumb, if you ever buy anything that is very expensive on Amazon like a cpu, that's brand new, buy from a seller that is shipped and sold by Amazon and not a third-party seller. This also makes returns easier especially if you're a prime member too.

I bought an item listed as new from Amazon a few years ago. It failed before a year was out so I contacted the seller. They told me they are not a business but a private seller and can provide no warranty. I advised him he cannot sell anything as new as I will not be the first purchaser and he can provide no warranty cover. (For the first year warranty as new in the UK is with the sellers business) He refused to accept this so I raised a complaint with Amazon. They sided with the seller and did nothing. There is NO warranty buying "new" items from private sellers, you have been warned. Be very wary buying anything from Amazon!

Amazon marketplace? That says everything...