Apple reportedly implements a no-reason 14-day return policy for purchases made on its website and retail stores. As long as there are no physical damages, the tech giant accepts returns even if the device was unboxed, activated, and used. It apparently won’t even ask for reasons. Some scammers are exploiting this policy by running an iPhone 17 screen replacement scam to make money.
Scammers are exploiting Apple’s return policy by stealing the original iPhone 17 screen
Scammers in China are reportedly buying a new iPhone 17, tearing it down, and stealing the original display panel. They replace it with a low-cost third-party screen that apparently looks as good as the original one. Then they return the iPhone to Apple through its no-reason 14-day return policy. This leaves scammers with an original iPhone 17 display, which they resell later to make money.
Scammers are exploiting the price difference between genuine iPhone screens and cheaper third-party replacements. These individuals are reportedly making purchases through official Apple sales channels, retail stores, and the official website. The main target devices for this are the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series models, particularly the iPhone 17 models.
Apple is tightening its return review process
This reselling original display scam can reportedly generate around $140 per phone. This is a profit without paying a penny for the device. Needless to say, this is illegal. Apple is reportedly sick of this iPhone 17 scam, as such cases have kept surging. It is now tightening the return policy. Apple inspectors will now check all returned iPhones by verifying the unique serial numbers of key internal components.
Devices that show signs of tampering, like removed screws or non-original parts, can be detected during this process. If there’s any sign of tampering, Apple will straight up refuse a refund and send the device back to the buyer. It may even put that account on a blacklist and monitored closely.
Having said that, in this whole situation, the real victims are the genuine customers. Since the new inspection process can be time-consuming, it may result in longer waiting periods for genuine customers to receive refunds. Despite the new inspection policy, if the abuse continues, Apple may even eventually make changes to its 14-day no-reason return policy in the future or further tighten it.
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