[Filament]

You've misunderstood.

They cannot cross-check the physical delivery (package/envelope) against the carrier's records. That Is, given they've disposed of It, there's only one record- what's documented on the carrier's manifest, which Is not enough to deem any Investigation conclusive.

I see. So to make sure I'm understanding this correctly, they must have your physical package to conclude any investigation? The carrier's information about the package isn't enough to deem that the package sent to the company (obviously) doesn't contain the product that was supposed to be returned? This is the first I've heard of anything like this - do you know this from your years of experience in shipping/transportation industry? Is this true for all companies?

Simply stated, you cannot cross-check a package that doesn't exist, Irrespective of what's documented on the carrier's manifest. You need to understand that "carrier records" and "company records" are separate entities, both of which are segregated and  handled Independently of each other.

That's the point of this particular FTID method- to leave no trace of receipt of goods, thereby the return center/receiving department does not have a physical foundation to work with.

I see. That's really good information to know. Thanks!
I understand that the carrier and company have their own records of the package, and that they are handled separately, but I did not know that the company cannot rely on the carrier's records if they do not have their own records.

What happens when a company does not receive a return that the SE'er claims they have returned, and they open an investigation, such as in OP's case? Is the investigation only carried out internally and they do not contact carrier?