Action Fraud - Seller Good Practice?

Hey Sellers (if any of you are still out there after the changes),

We have had a significant increase in empty box returns, or buyers returning something completely different to what the ordered (in intentional cases, as mistakes can happen). Our devices are relatively high in value so it is practical for us to protect ourselves but I am a strong believer in the principle of protecting others.

Now, we always make note of the serial numbers of the devices we send out and attribute them to an order ID. We also record opening all returns in one uncut video to verify these serial numbers and examine the condition of returned items. Whilst this is usually enough to protect us on Amazon - we know that Amazon will not punish the buyer or link multiple cases of fraudulent activity together to stop individuals doing this to other sellers on this platform or others.

As a result we have started reporting these cases to Action Fraud. You can sign up for free under your business and raise reports right way.

This is not to say that it is likely that anything will happen for one-off petty instances or that we expect anything to happen but it all adds up when fraud is happening across multiple different orders and accounts. Which is why I love the idea of is the following:

Text: "We make use of computer-based analysis to create cases which contain reports with the same elements or match new reports to existing cases. It is important that you make full use of this section to provide us with details of the suspect, any suspect company and the details of payments made as a result of the crime, and to assist with this process."

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If the same names, addresses and other information are found in different reports, the likelihood of the police stepping in will increase.

I think it's within our best interests to advocate using this facility whether it is for the sake of £5 or £5,000+ as it should protect us all. The reports do not take a great deal of time and there is an emphasis on the details to make it easier for Action Fraud to spot recurring acts of fraud through matched information. We find that signalling your intent to raise a report with Action Fraud in a Letter before Action or a notification to the buyer is also a great way to protect yourself.

Do any other sellers routinely use Action Fraud reports? Have any of them ever been actioned or pursued by the teams? Are there any better options?

All the best.