Targeted Updates Return Policy to Avoid Fraud

Aim is trying to fight fraudulent returns with a more clearly defined policy update.

In a recent update on his website, Aim said it “reserves the right to refuse returns, refunds and exchanges, including but not limited to preventing fraud, suspected fraud or abuse”.

Although most items can be returned within 90 days, certain conditions apply. Aim such unopened items must be in “new condition” to qualify for a refund or exchange. Importantly, the basic return policy remains unchanged, including the one-year limit for all private labels.

As a target (TGT) adapt to these challenges, buyers can expect a tighter approach to returns going forward. In early March, Target implemented a the new auto-checkout strategy which limits the number of items shoppers can scan to 10 or fewer, further tightening its policies to prevent fraud. With these measures in place – including new self-checkout technology that alert customers if they forgot to scan an item – Target aims to create a safe shopping environment for movement.

Target’s move also comes as it aims to reduce losses related to return fraud. Return fraud can happen when customers exploit return policies to receive refunds or exchanges for items they did not purchase or are no longer in their original condition. Common examples include wearing an item once and returning it for a full refund, or using a fake receipt to return an item purchased at other stores.

With the policy update, Target’s return policy extension days may be a thing of the past. The retailer has already implemented strict measures to deter theft at it in-store locations nationwide. Everyday essentials like body wash, deodorant and razors are a few items the retailer keeps in place that require in-store assistance.

Earlier this month, Target said it would hire 100,000 seasonal workers while gearing up for the busy holiday shopping season. In August, the retailer reported robust second-quarter sales that revealed its price reductions they successfully attracted inflation-weary consumers.