iPhone 15 exchange scam on Amazon: Supreme Court lawyer shares how he was ‘duped’, and what buyers should not do – Times of India

In a shocking incident, a Supreme Court lawyer, Mukul P Unny, was scammed out of Rs 38,000 while attempting to exchange his iPhone 13 for an iPhone 15 on Amazon.in. The lawyer detailed his ordeal on social media, highlighting the fraudulent tactics employed by the delivery executive.

What exactly happened

Unny took X (formerly known as Twitter) to post about the new kind of smartphone exchange scam.The incident occurred on July 21, 2024, when Unny placed an order for the iPhone 15 on Amazon. The following day, a delivery executive arrived at his residence and handed over the new phone after receiving the necessary OTP. However, the executive then requested another OTP, claiming it was required to complete the exchange.
Despite Unny’s hesitation, he was convinced to return the new iPhone to the delivery executive after speaking to the latter’s supervisor.
Unny contacted Amazon customer care the following day to report the incident. Initially, Amazon assured him of a refund if the product was not delivered. However, subsequent inquiries revealed the case was under investigation with a resolution deadline of July 31.
On July 31st, Amazon concluded its investigation and informed Unny that a refund was impossible. The company’s explanation lacked substance, as they had not thoroughly verified the scam details. The fact that Unny still possessed his old iPhone directly contradicted Amazon’s claim that the exchange was complete.
While Amazon has eventually issued a refund to Unny, his ordeal underscores the considerable risks inherent in online transactions, even when dealing with reputable platforms like Amazon.
Always verify the identity of a delivery executive before sharing your Amazon OTP. This crucial step can protect you from falling victim to scams.

Read the complete post here

“This is the story of my worst experience with @amazonIN On 21.07.2024, I ordered iPhone 15 from Amazon in exchange for my iPhone 13. On 22.07.2024, the delivery executive came at around 930 PM. I gave the OTP and took the product, and gave my phone to the executive.
He said I have give another OTP. I had already given the OTP and was wondering what other OTP is to be given for exchange. I said I dont have any other OTP than the one I have given. He stayed there for few minutes & then called his supervisor.
After speaking with the supervisor, the delivery exec asked for return of the product since the “exchange is not final”.I insisted that I speak with the supervisor. The supervisor tells me that the exchange is done by a different team & requests for the product to be returned. I said I cannot give away the product especially since the OTP is given and the app was showing that the product is delivered. But this supervisor Ashok (8076650306) requested me to return, lest his team will have to make for the loss.
Upon his request and assurance that the product will be “reattempted” the next day, I gave the product to the delivery exec (Vishal 8826421956) after taking the supervisor’s and the delivery exec’s number. On 23.07.2024, I spoke with the Amazon Customer Care and raised a complaint to which I assured that refund will be initiated if the product is not delivered. Call centre asked me to follow up on 25.07.2024.
On 26.07.2024,when I called them, the customer case asked me to wait till 31.05.2024 as “it has to be investigated”. Today, when I call Amazon, they said “investigation” is complete and that refund cannot be initiated. No fact-finding was done by Amazon in this. Now, we are staring at a loss of Rs. 38000 and a possible scam done by supervisor, delivery exec and others at Amazon. If they say that the exchange is done, then they can very well see the old phone that I still use with me.
This could happen to any one of you and please be aware while dealing with @amazonIN.”