What should I do if Affirm closes my return dispute as 'no refund due'?

Submit certified carrier tracking showing the physical delivery confirmation and file a formal billing error notice under 12 CFR § 1026.13, demanding a written explanation from compliance.

How does a police report help a BNPL dispute?

A certified police incident report (such as Monroe PD Incident Report #26-29572) establishes official governmental documentation of merchant non-performance, preventing the lender from claiming the consumer failed to substantiate their claim.

CARRIER PROOF & RETURN GUIDE

Affirm Merchant Return Dispute Denied? How to Submit Carrier Proof of Delivery

Authored by Charles W. Kinslow IV, J.D., C.P.A. • Case Reference: Monroe PD Report #26-29572

The Problem: When a consumer returns merchandise to a merchant, Affirm's automated algorithms often close the dispute in the merchant's favor with a generic message: "The merchant did not issue a refund." This guide details how to prove physical delivery and force compliance.

Why Affirm Denies Legitimate Return Claims

Affirm's point-of-sale financing contracts create a tri-party relationship between the consumer, Affirm, and the retail merchant. Under automated dispute logic, Affirm relies entirely on the merchant's API webhook to confirm refunds. If a merchant experiences warehouse delays or uncredited returns, Affirm's system automatically faults the consumer and restarts billing.

Step 1: Obtain Official Carrier Proof of Delivery (POD)

Do not simply rely on a web screenshot. Request a certified carrier delivery confirmation:

USPS / UPS / FedEx / OnTrac: Request a stamped Proof of Delivery document containing the destination address, delivery date/time, and recipient signature.
Match Serial / RMA Numbers: Ensure the return authorization label matches the tracking number referenced in your order confirmation.

Step 2: File a Local Police Incident Report

If a merchant acknowledges receipt or tracking confirms physical possession but the merchant refuses to credit the balance, file an incident report with your local police department (e.g. Monroe Police Department Incident Report #26-29572 in the Kinslow case study):

Why an Incident Report is Essential:

Police reports provide official governmental verification under penalty of perjury, creating an unassailable factual record that regulatory agencies (CFPB, State AGs) and courts prioritize over corporate automated form letters.

Step 3: Submit the Forensic Reconciliation Packet

Combine your exhibits into a chronological evidence package:

Order Confirmation & Initial Item Invoice.
Return Shipping Label & Carrier Tracking Delivery Confirmation.
Police Incident Report documenting merchant retention of goods.
Call history logs showing repeated attempts to resolve with support.