[mothered]

The box method being what exactly?

You claim the Item Is defective and when they request to return It, you send the package without the Item.

There must be a tear on the package (and sealed with different colored tape), to give the Impression as though It was tampered with and the Item stolen during transit.

Ok, but wouldent this cause a large investigation?

You're only SEing an AirPod or Apple Watch, both of which are low value Items.

As said, an Investigation Is part of company protocol, nothing more.