[mothered]

I have done a legit return in an Apple store where I live before, iPhone 13 Pro Max, completely sealed, and I got told it was their policy to open returns there and then and check it before processing refund.

In that case, It's conclusive.

Thanks for confirming It.

What could I possibly say when they find out the phone is a dummy? Deny everything

Given they check each and every return, It ensures their goods are sold by their exact description.

The only way It will work, Is If It's a factory error but In the case of a dummy phone, It's Impossible the manufacturer made such an error.

or say that I was aware that I won’t be receiving a refund so I mistakenly put a wrong phone there and just sealed it back with it’s original seal?

You've confirmed that they Inspect returns, so why risk It?

Last option would be for me to just carefully remove the seals again and put the original back in place to get a legit refund..

That's the option with every SE.

Yup, everything is clear now.. Will replace the original phone back very soon.

Good move.