[EquitableEngineer]

Everything was close enough except that I hadn't considered that they save the serial number with the transaction info, and scan multiple barcodes (the one being the s/n) at return.

Interesting story, thanks for sharing. I was definitely aware that at least with the higher end devices like expensive phones and such that they had a record of the serial / IMEI at the at the store. I have also noticed a barcode beside serials too but I just assumed that it was purely for manufacturers use. I have even considered removing said IMEI and barcode and replacing it with a fake so that once the device was found to be missing they would not have an IMEI that they could cross reference against returns and block. After reading your story I dont think i'll ever do this.