Texas Target stores hit rock bottom with iPod theft

Had a similar thing happen to me at Frys. Bought a $349 video card. Go home, find out it doesn't work. Try to take it back, turns out it doesn't work because it's not the card it says it is. AND FRYS WOULDN'T TAKE IT BACK. They accused me of the switch. I complained vigorously. Talked to the manager, pointed out the many thousands of dollars I had spent there. nothing. They simply accused me of being the criminal. I was screwed for $349 and will never spend another dime there again.

Ken, I'm sure TUAW would be glad to sell Ad space. ugh.

This sucks as far as the stolen ipod goes.. hopefully Target Corporate will step up on this issue.

Hello,

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The company originally started with a patent-pending solution for iPods, digital cameras, MP3 players, Sony PSPs and other gadgets. Their solution became quite popular and was recently featured on Dateline NBCs exclusive on iPod theft "To Catch An iJacker" as well as several popular technology news sites.

More recently the company launched new software targeting the mobile phone market. If a phone is stolen, the software will alert the owner with any new phone numbers the phone is assigned along with other forensic information that will allow law enforcement to recovery the device. GadgetTrak also launched new software for laptops and Mac computers that will capture video of the thief along with other forensic data to locate the system.

I don't work at Target, but isn't also possible that someone bought these ipods that had access to a shrink wrap machine? I don't think that Target would return Ipods to Apple that appear not to have been opened.

You can buy the heat guns, and shrink wrap for a lot less than a new iPod, so it's not out of the question.

I'm just amazed that she had to accept a voucher from Target. Isn't it a criminal offence/offense in the US to sell rocks labelled as iPods? I'd have demanded cash back, or full refund on the card, or else called the Police in straight away, since clearly a crime had been committed.

I would second the comment that its probably the handiwork of the shipper's employees. Especially given that two stores in the same area have had the same issue. If I were those Targets, I'd take a very hard look at all their high dollar merchandise and track where they came in from and get stinky with their freight carriers.

A few years ago, during the holiday season, I remember reports of people buying iPods at Walmart and finding meat in the boxes. Yes, you heard me right, meat!
http://uk.gizmodo.com/2005/12/29/imeat_heartburn_for_ipod_fans.html

Chris, you're right, it doesn't specify -- I misread a second source. Judging by price it's probably an 160GB classic. I'll correct.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the news article specify "video iPod"? How do we know it was either an iPod Touch or Classic iPod, or even a 5.5 gen iPod?

I bought a vaccuum at Target and got it home, and realized it was the wrong vaccuum and that I was overcharged for a more expensive one but I didn't notice cause I was buying a bunch of stuff and had the kids with me. Bad part is I already carved up the box for the recycle bin and Target would not refund me the difference in price. Basically, what was in the box and what was marked on the outside box price were 2 different things. I didn't shop at Target for 3 years after that! Next time, open the box when you're in line before you pay! What are they gonna do, arrest you?