As many as 10 fake iPad 2s made of clay may have been bought by unwitting Canadians, according to a report.
The CTV News website claims that Future Shop and Best Buy have launched an investigation after the fake devices were sold in their stores in Vancouver.
Apparently scammers had bought real iPads from the stores - paying by cash - removed them from their packaging and replaced them with modelling clay. After re-sealing the packaging they returned the boxes and got a refund.
The boxes full of clay were apparently then put straight back on to the shelves and sold to unsuspecting customers.
"Customers don't expect to receive this kind of product from Future Shop, so it's a very serious matter and something we are addressing right away for anyone who has been impacted," a Future Shop spokesman told CTV.
One man who bought one of the clay-filled boxes said he was treated like a criminal when he tried to return the box. He contacted the retailer's head office, Apple and local police but it was only when he contaced CTV that he was taken seriously. He received an apology, a full refund and a real iPad 2 as compensation, according to the report.
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Comments received
RachelTaylor said on Fri, 20 Jan 2012
Wow I can't believe that this occurred. You would think the stores would be a bit more careful when such products would be returned. With all the various scams that have been going on it would make sense to check in the box to make sure it was the real item and to also make sure the product was not damaged at all. When I have taken back clothing before I get asked many questions. You would think the same would go for an ipad.
RachelTaylor said on Fri, 20 Jan 2012
Wow I can't believe that this occurred. You would think the stores would be a bit more careful when such products would be returned. With all the various scams that have been going on it would make sense to check in the box to make sure it was the real item and to also make sure the product was not damaged at all. When I have taken back clothing before I get asked many questions. You would think the same would go for an ipad.
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