Do you have a source for this claim? Amazon takes returns for sure... That's why I'm asking if you have proof, or if this is just something you suspect is happening.
Brian.
I doubt there is a smoking gun like Watergate, but the proof is in the reviews if you read them. Any number of reviews on Amazon complain of receiving obviously opened items, items obviously used, items obviously counterfeit, etc. Some of the reviewers might not know what they are talking about, but I do not believe they are all wrong.
This number seems to be larger when fulfilled by third parties and not Amazon, but the complaints remain there for those who wish to see. And who wish to be enlightened.
If, however, your level of proof required is to have someone swear on a bible in open court that they took a returned item, for example a knife, that was known as a fake, repackaged it, and boxed it to be sent to a customer, then, I doubt there will be proof.
As in politics, we have to follow the trail of bread crumbs and reach a conclusion.
Not trying to be nasty or aggressive here although it sounds like it, but with all the worldwide scrutiny these days, everyone has become better at covering their tracks. We have to adapt to this as consumers (and voters) and get the answers any way we can including circumstantial evidence.