[lc3v1n3212]

What are the risks of successfully returning an iPhone to Apple directly in-store using the sealed box method with dummy phone?

These are the risks I'm seeing, but seem unlikely once you get the refund email and the Apple specialist accepts the refund since it would have been through too many hands at that point:
1. Reverse refund or charge card again once refund is fully processed
2. Blacklist IMEI with all carriers
3. Iphone displays the "This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted." message, which was shown once looters connected stolen iPhones to wifi

[mothered]

seem unlikely once you get the refund email and the Apple specialist accepts the refund since it would have been through too many hands at that point

^ Precisely.

Reverse refund or charge card again once refund is fully processed

For the reasons above, It will be very difficult, If not Impossible, to hold you liable for the event.

Blacklist IMEI with all carriers

Possible, but unlikely.

Iphone displays the "This device has been disabled and is being tracked. Local authorities will be alerted." message, which was shown once looters connected stolen iPhones to wifi

Extremely unlikely.

[lc3v1n3212]

Thank you @mothered , sounds like it's a solid method then. Will report back here when done!

[mothered]

Thank you @mothered , sounds like it's a solid method then. Will report back here when done!

You're most welcome.

I look forward to reading the latest developments/outcome.

[Amado]

keep us updated would like to know the outcome aswell

[alexsensei]

This is a very interesting topic I may say

[lc3v1n3212]

Thank you @mothered , sounds like it's a solid method then. Will report back here when done!

You're most welcome.

I look forward to reading the latest developments/outcome.

Also, what's a good rule of thumb for turning on/activating iPhone once successfully SE'd and refund hits account?

[mothered]

Also, what's a good rule of thumb for turning on/activating iPhone once successfully SE'd and refund hits account?

There's no specific time frame.

Only use the device after the funds have cleared Into your account.

[K03NT3S31N]

@lc3v1n3212 Any updates on this?

[uncanny]

Any updates? I could really read a positive outcome now. What exactly happened when you went to the store? I got my popcorn ready.