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Is this legal?

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ksukhin

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 20, 2013
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I own a 15" rMBP (late 2013) model, while waiting for it to come back from the Genius Bar, I decided to buy myself the top model rMBP that's out right now. I got my original laptop back and I'm going to return the one I bought.

HYPOTHETICALLY:

a) What if I return the old rMPB?
They look identical on the outside, internally they're different. I'm assuming Apple will be able to track me down based on serial number and credit card used and ask for the newer laptop back.

b) What if I have bought my both rMBP with cash and returned the old one after wiping the drive? Will Apple have any way of tracking me down?
technically there's no paper trail as long as I wipe my drive, I don't see any other way for them to track me down.

Again this is all hypothetical, my friends and I were discussing this and we came to a conclusion that a) wouldn't work while b) would.

What do you guys think?
 
In any event, they would have a record of the purchase of a machine with the serial number of your 2013 one and would know that that purchase occurred more than 14 days ago... It wouldn't work.
 
You are kidding right?
That's called scamming and it's illegal.

If you have to ask, you already know it's not legal.
 
ksukhin said:
I own a 15" rMBP (late 2013) model, while waiting for it to come back from the Genius Bar, I decided to buy myself the top model rMBP that's out right now. I got my original laptop back and I'm going to return the one I bought.

HYPOTHETICALLY:

a) What if I return the old rMPB?
They look identical on the outside, internally they're different. I'm assuming Apple will be able to track me down based on serial number and credit card used and ask for the newer laptop back.

b) What if I have bought my both rMBP with cash and returned the old one after wiping the drive? Will Apple have any way of tracking me down?
technically there's no paper trail as long as I wipe my drive, I don't see any other way for them to track me down.

Again this is all hypothetical, my friends and I were discussing this and we came to a conclusion that a) wouldn't work while b) would.

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

They will track you down. When they find out they will activate the secret tracking device inside your computer and hunt you down.
 
As mentioned this doesn't work because the serial number won't fit.
Merely whipping the drive does not change that.
 
ksukhin said:
I own a 15" rMBP (late 2013) model, while waiting for it to come back from the Genius Bar, I decided to buy myself the top model rMBP that's out right now. I got my original laptop back and I'm going to return the one I bought.

HYPOTHETICALLY:

a) What if I return the old rMPB?
They look identical on the outside, internally they're different. I'm assuming Apple will be able to track me down based on serial number and credit card used and ask for the newer laptop back.

b) What if I have bought my both rMBP with cash and returned the old one after wiping the drive? Will Apple have any way of tracking me down?
technically there's no paper trail as long as I wipe my drive, I don't see any other way for them to track me down.

Again this is all hypothetical, my friends and I were discussing this and we came to a conclusion that a) wouldn't work while b) would.

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

c) Apple spot the serial number doesnt match right at the point you try and return it. No funds or cash get issued as the return isnt processed.
 
ksukhin said:
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

This is a crime, and likely a felony which means you'd possibly go to jail when Apple figures out what you've done.
You will have to provide identifying details when returning the computer, regardless of whether it was bought with cash or not, so you will be caught.
 
Thanks for the replies, as mentioned earlier I'm not planning on doing this. Therefore the "hypothetically" in big bold letters. I'm only curious, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought of this or worse, actually attempted it.
 
ksukhin said:
What about case b) when both laptops are bought with cash?
Click to expand...

When the computer is returned, you must present identification. This is specifically to prevent the scam you are discussing, as well as to provide tracking if that computer is later determined to be damaged, stolen, etc.
 
ksukhin said:
IAnd the old laptop would have been placed in the new laptop's box. I don't know if the apple employee checks the serial number before accepting the return or not.
Click to expand...

I would expect them to check the SN and confirm the original contents are present.
 
ksukhin said:
I'm not planning on doing this. Therefore the "hypothetically" in big bold letters.

What about case b) when both laptops are bought with cash?

And the old laptop would have been placed in the new laptop's box. I don't know if the apple employee checks the serial number before accepting the return or not.

I'm only curious, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought of this or worse, actually attempted it.
Click to expand...

I don't believe you. You're not planning to do this, but you bought a new MBP while waiting for yours to come back from the Genius Bar and now want to return it?
 
556fmjoe said:
I don't believe you. You're not planning to do this, but you bought a new MBP while waiting for yours to come back from the Genius Bar and now want to return it?
Click to expand...

Yes, I was estimated a 2wk wait period before I got my laptop back. As a student who's taking Spring/Summer courses I need a laptop. Therefore I bought one for the time until I got my laptop back.
 
ksukhin said:
Yes, I was estimated a 2wk wait period before I got my laptop back. As a student who's taking Spring/Summer courses I need a laptop. Therefore I bought one for the time until I got my laptop back.
Click to expand...

You're abusing their return policies and thinking about ways to commit fraud... The world doesn't need more people who do that kind of stuff.
 
They will surely check the serial number when you return it. So unless you are very lucky, you'd most likely end up at the police station with scam charges.

But I dare you to try. You can give us a report back after you have been released :D
 
leman said:
They will surely check the serial number when you return it. So unless you are very lucky, you'd most likely end up at the police station with scam charges.

But I dare you to try. You can give us a report back after you have been released :D
Click to expand...

I'll return my PowerBook to help pay for his bail.
 
It might work if you bought it at best buy, but I doubt it would work at an Apple store. Not really sure why you would ask thus question as its completely ilegal.
 
In portuguese, "legal" has at least two senses:

1. Legal: legitimate, licit
2. Legal: nice, cool

At best your hypothesis is legal (2), but definitely not legal (1).
 
It's actually called "return fraud".

Most stores have cameras in the parking lot and get your license plate number so that the police can track you down and arrest you if you try to return something fraudulently.
 
[MOD NOTE]
Stick a fork in, this discussion is over. Clearly the OP's actions represent a fraudulent action if he decided to undertake them. Closing the thread.
 
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