There’s a certain kind of scam going on at retailers around the country involving unsuspecting customers who buy an expensive item like an iPad and take it home only to find inside a brick or notepad or something not worth the hundreds of dollars they paid for the supposed item. There are seven cases of this kind of fraud documented on The Consumerist, and getting your money back after being ripped off in this way can be nearly impossible, as this poor guy testifies.
So what can you do? Easy — the moment you’re about to open the iPad at the store, open it. Yes, that’s right. Take off the shrink wrap in full view of the cashier and anyone else in line. Chances are, you’ll find the item you bought in perfect working order. You might feel a bit awkward doing this, especially if this is a gift for someone, but if you happen to open an unlucky box full of bricks, you’ll have the evidence right there in full view of everyone who needs to see it.
If you’re unfortunate enough not to realize you were ripped off until you get home, and the retailer doesn’t cooperate in returning your money, you may find recourse by disputing the charge on your credit card.