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Costco Tightens In-Store Return Checks With Digital Verification

Digital verification tied to memberships lets staff check purchases, helping deter abusive returns.

Overview

  • Recent reports describe employees requesting extra proof for some refunds and managers reviewing members’ return histories at warehouses.
  • Costco has not announced a formal policy change and continues to cite its Risk‑Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee with longstanding exceptions.
  • The 90‑day window for major electronics remains in place, with tighter documentation checks reported for higher‑value items.
  • Memberships can be flagged for heavy return activity and, in rare cases, canceled with the fee refunded, according to media accounts.
  • Entrance scanning and app-based digital receipts enable purchase verification, as industry data show return-related losses topping $100 billion in 2024.