Returning Items Without a Receipt

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NY

This morning I went to a large retail store to return two items (each worth
about $11) but did not have the receipts. I haven't made a return to this particular
store but once, with receipt, and it has been quite some time since I've made a
return to this chain in general.

Anyhow, I did not have the receipt, and the cashier had to call the CSM. The CSM took
the items and asked me if I had purchased them at this particular store. I told him that I
did not. He then took the items to the back office, and about 10 minutes later, the CSM
and an investigator came out. They let me take a store credit on the items after doing the
usual of checking my license, etc. I asked them why it had taken so long for my items to be
returned, and the investigator told me "nothing personal, there is just a retail theft ring going
on," and "I literally walked in behind you." (Not sure what that is supposed to mean).

I did purchase the items legitimately with cash. I purchased one from this particular location (I can't find the receipt
but I know it's at home somewhere); the other, I purchased a while ago but my mom can't use it so I meant to take it
back but hadn't gotten around to it. I've never stolen anything in my life and I got spooked that they went all CSI for my trying to return $22 in merchandise for a store credit. They will never be able to link me to anything because I've
never stolen anything or participated in any type of sketchy crime stuff. I'm just worried that I'm in some database or
like, I'm going to get arrested for returning merchandise or something. It is honestly not stolen, etc. - I literally just do
not have the receipts, and because I do shop at this particular chain, I don't care if I get a gift card over cash.

I have an anxiety disorder and things like this scare the hell out of me; I'm a college student with no criminal record and I plan to work as an actuary... I don't want to be accused of something that I am not related in any way to. If they
allowed me to return my merchandise, am I probably fine? Like, was this their way of accusing me of being part of this
theft ring or otherwise participating in retail fraud?

They did not accuse you of anything. They investigated. I have had it happen also. In fact it was at a store I have spent well over $10k at and they know it. They simply keep a permanent record of your return history to see if you do it again.

Quote:

---

Quoting Disagreeable

---

They did not accuse you of anything. They investigated. I have had it happen also. In fact it was at a store I have spent well over $10k at and they know it. They simply keep a permanent record of your return history to see if you do it again.

---

Two words.

"Best" and "Buy".

For some odd reason they thought that lugging a 52 Hitaachi (and this was before the slimline tvs) back to the store for a repair, was something you just do for the fun of it.

Did we have a receipt? Dude. I just put your kids through college. You find me your copy of the receipt.

(Sales guy actually did that)

Nope. Major department store chain in my case.

Quote:

---

Quoting Dogmatique

---

Two words.

"Best" and "Buy".

For some odd reason they thought that lugging a 52 Hitaachi (and this was before the slimline tvs) back to the store for a repair, was something you just do for the fun of it.

Did we have a receipt? Dude. I just put your kids through college. You find me your copy of the receipt.

(Sales guy actually did that)

---

"I did purchase the items legitimately with cash. I purchased one from this particular location"

"The CSM took the items and asked me if I had purchased them at this particular store. I told him that I
did not."

First you say you did purchase one of the items from that store, but you tell them you didn't?? Which is it?