Buyer Lied, Sent Back Different Used Shoes, 16 Appeals Ignored with Same Auto-Response

Hello fellow sellers,

I need your help and advice on a serious issue we have been facing.

A customer purchased a specific pair of shoes from us. We fulfilled the order correctly, and our internal records, pick list, and dispatch footage confirm this.

However, the buyer raised a return claim saying "wrong item sent" and returned a completely different pair of shoes, not even a model we sell. The returned pair was used and dirty. Despite submitting full evidence (photos, product catalogue, stock sheet, and return inspection report), Amazon refunded the buyer from our account.

We have submitted 16 appeals through the normal channels and keep receiving the same copy-paste response:

“Although we understand your position, we stand by our decision.”

We have asked for an escalation or human review, but there is no way forward via the standard appeal workflow. This is a clear case of return fraud, and it seems there is no protection for sellers in this situation.

Has anyone managed to:

Escalate these cases beyond the automated system?

Get a proper review done by Executive Seller Relations?

Recover funds in similar fraud situations?

Any insights or proven escalation routes would be hugely appreciated. I am also interested in collaborating with other sellers who face similar situations to raise this as a systemic issue with Seller Performance or through FBA Feedback Loops.