Analysis of one million real-world shopper returns finds £29 million in potentially fraudulent activity, with retailers exposed to significant gaps in detection
LONDON, June 22, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–New research has revealed the huge cost of returns fraud. Omnichannel returns management specialist ReBound Returns analysed data from one million returned orders on behalf of retail clients between July 2025 and May 2026. It found £29 million of potentially fraudulent returns, exposing a gap in retailer’s ability to detect and prevent fraud at scale.
Return rates are now approaching 20% of all online sales, with a total market value nearing $850 billion in the US alone. As returns rates increase, instances of returns fraud and abuse are growing too, with the global Merchant Risk Council deeming ‘refund and returns policy abuse’ to be the most prevalent fraud type facing merchants…
HOW TO SPOT A “RED FLAG” (THE BEHAVIORAL AUDIT)
Keep an eye out for these behavioral shifts in your staff:
Refusal to take leave: Afraid someone will find their “adjustments.”
Unexplained wealth: Buying luxury items that don’t match their known salary.
Working odd hours: Preferring to work alone late at night when no one is watching the system.
“Gatekeeper” behavior: Becoming overly defensive or angry when someone asks to see their records.