Amazon Customer Received an Intel Core i3 Instead of a Ryzen 7 9850X3D — Twice

An Amazon customer posting under the handle u/BitProfessional3792 ordered an AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D gaming processor twice, and both times found an Intel Core i3 3000-series in the box. Both purchases were sold and shipped by Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller, so a substitution was hard to anticipate. The first Ryzen was bought together with an MSI MAG X870E Carbon motherboard for a PC build or upgrade.

Instead of the ordered processor, the box contained an Intel Core i3 3000-series. The photos show that the packaging had been opened from the bottom: it was torn open to remove the Ryzen and slip in an old chip. The customer filed a return, and while waiting for the money, ordered a second Ryzen 7 9850X3D with same-day delivery.

The second box turned out to have been opened in exactly the same way, and inside was again an Intel Core i3 3000-series. That order also came straight from Amazon's warehouse.

The LPN Sticker

Both boxes still bore an LPN sticker. Amazon uses this label to track goods in its logistics network, but it shows up most often on returns. According to speculation in the comments, one of the previous buyers had removed the Ryzen, put an Intel in its place, and returned the item.

The check at the return warehouse did not notice any traces of opening, and both packages went out to a new customer. According to the customer himself, Amazon is currently working on a refund. The post does not mention a refund for the second purchase — only one refund is referenced.

The story shows how a swap at the return stage can reach the next customer even when the item is sold and shipped by Amazon itself rather than a third-party retailer.

Translation editors: Соловьев В., Пеков А.