IIRC, this was a concern back when I worked retail in the late 1980's. Sounds like it has either resurfaced or has got far worse.
I don't understand the first step after acquiring the stolen
goods. They "bring the stolen goods.." "..to various stores"
..seeking a credit. Seems to me that the store is stupid to
even accept those stolen goods! Are the stores assuming it was
previously purchased product from THEIR store?
Yes, it is not smart and, yes, the danger is that they take the thief's
word for it being something purchased in their store.
When I was working in retail, I did not usually work the service desk, but
we were always supposed to ask for a receipt on returns. So the
opportunity was only there if the thief happened to find someone at the
desk who was not doing their job.
I think more recently, many stores have been giving store credit if customers don't have the receipt & the item is something that store sells. So the opportunity to commit this kind of crime has gone up as retail chains have become more lax on their return policies.
Mike
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