[ConcernedCitizen]

I've done this with several pairs now. Send a video file with the end bit changed so it won't work. Then, when they ask about it, tell them the file works fine on your end. After, you can screenshot it and edit out the LED on the case and that should be enough to convince them it won't turn on or pair.

Hey man were the buds replaced without returning the defective item

That's when you send them an empty box and they can't prove there was never anything in it. Google unfortunately may still not refund you due to this being so common now.