Sephora/TheRetail Equation Cannot return something to Sephora ... reason is "my return history with the retailer" ... Irvine, CA Nationwide

 I received a bottle of perfume (unopened) for Christmas.  As the party who gave it to me also gave me Sephora gift cards, I returned the unopened, plastic-wrapped bottle to Sephora.  I was told that it could be returned however, a manager came by and told me that my "return was declined by an outside service they use" for returns and that I could contact this company if I needed additional information or to dispute".  I contacted them with the transaction ID as noted.  I received a "report" back that my return was declined for the reason "my return history with Sephora". There's one problem - I never returned anything previously to Sephora.

I contacted them and spoke to a "Divya" who is obviously working at an offshore Call Center.  She claims that's not the reason, even though they place this on the written report they provide.  She claims that the reason is that Sephora does not accept returns without a receipt.  That is not their corporate policy as per the Manager of the store.  She said it is and it has nothing to do with them.  Sephora claims otherwise.  This is just a run around.  You can find other reports about this company - it's a scam between them and the retailer.  I asked to speak to a manager; she told me that she cannot give me "his name" even though she said she doesn't know what manager will be returning my call.  This seems like a scam service the retailers are now using to discourage people from returning.

I am contacting a lawyer since the information they provide is fraudulent.