Apple Stores Get iPhone Scanner to Fight Return Fraud [Report]

Apple Stores are getting a new tool to detect fraudulent iPhone returns without breaking the seal on the box.

The machines started arriving earlier in October and are now becoming operational, according to Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.

The system addresses a return-fraud problem in which buyers remove accessories, strip components from a device, or take the phone itself before returning a resealed package. Some carry out those returns in large quantities and resell the parts they remove.

To catch those returns, store employees are instructed to open packaging and inspect the contents even when a box appears sealed. That also affects legitimate returns: once staff open the box, the product has to go back to a warehouse for processing rather than straight back into sellable inventory.

The new device scans an in-box iPhone and runs diagnostics to check that it is intact. A phone that passes the check can stay sealed and go back into stock.

The hardware draws on Presto technology, which lets Apple install software updates on iPhones before sale without opening their retail packaging.