14 DAY TRIAL // After a two-year break, iPod theft is making a comeback as retail customers discover iRocks when opening their packages. In such a case, an unlucky buyer got two such consecutive boxes.
Target stores in Texas are having a problem with keeping iPods in their boxes. When one woman discovered rocks in place of the $350 gadget inside the box that she bought as a birthday present for her daughter, she was naturally displeased. The store believed what happened but was unable to offer a replacement as they were sold out of that model, and could not offer a cash refund as the purchase had been made with a Target card. After being forced to drive to another store and not being allowed to actually open the packaging to ensure that its contents included an iPod, the woman bought yet another box using the store credit. Shockingly enough, the box that was opened on the spot, in front of Target employees, also contained rocks. After being refused a cash refund yet again, the woman had to have her daughter pick out $350 worth of Target merchandise, instead of the iPod that she had wanted.
Targets insists that they are working with the local law enforcement to put an end to these iRock situations, but gave no details on the ongoing investigation. However, the store's policy is truly shocking, refusing a refund after something like this happened not once, but twice in two different stores.
This is not the first time something like this has happened; at the end of 2005, WalMart had a similar problem with missing iPods, only there the packages contained meat instead of rocks. In both cases, the iPods were intended as birthday presents and turned out to be quite a surprise for everyone involved. Apple has so far been clear of any such occurrences, although the occasional lemon does ship.