AITA for refusing to return a computer I bought after the store called and told me that I paid the wrong price for it?

Jonathan Hours
Comments 0 Comments

The pawn shop buzzed with the hum of bargain hunters when a buyer spotted a computer priced at $89. After testing it and confirming it worked, they paid and left, satisfied with their find. But the next day, a jarring call from the shop’s manager shattered their excitement. He claimed the computer was mislabeled, demanding its return or an additional $800, with threats of police and unauthorized card charges.

This clash isn’t just about a bargain—it’s a battle over fairness and consumer rights. The buyer, gripping their receipt, faces a moral and practical dilemma. Did they err by refusing to budge, or is the shop’s mistake their own to fix? This story pulls us into a tense standoff, raising questions about responsibility and standing firm against pressure. Let’s explore this pawn shop drama and see where the fault lies.

‘AITA for refusing to return a computer I bought after the store called and told me that I paid the wrong price for it?’

Last week, I went to a local pawn shop to sell some stuff. While I was there, I was window shopping and saw that they had a computer for $89. I only really use a computer for youtube or websites and my laptop is pretty old so I tested this computer, everything worked so I bought it. The next day, I got a call and it was from the manager of the shop.

He was very rude from the start and told me that the computer was labeled incorrectly and told me(didn't ask, rudely ordered me) to come in that day and either A.) return the computer or B.) pay the difference. I asked that the difference was and he said over $800. I guess it was supposed to be labeled $899.. ​ I said I'd think about it and he said that if I wasn't in by the end of the day, he'd just charge my card the amount.

I told him that he can't do that and he said if I didn't bring it in, or pay the difference, he was gonna ban me from the store and also call the police for theft. I just said I'd thnk about it again. I think he was mad cause the last thing he said to me was

I don't think the police can even do anything cause the price sticker is still on the computer and I have a receipt of the transaction for the $89 and there's probably also camera footage of me buying it and he must have a record of the purchase too.. ​ It's not my fault that him or an employee labeled it incorrectly and it's not like I knew it was a wrong price when I bought it.

I just saw a cheap computer that worked and bought it. I asked my friend who's into computers to look at it and see if it's actually worth that much or if this guy's just trying to scam me or something and he said that the parts are pretty high end and expensive. I don't think I did anything wrong but my friend said that I should take it back so idk.

A pawn shop’s pricing mistake shouldn’t become a customer’s nightmare. This buyer’s saga underscores the clash between business accountability and consumer rights. Attorney Anjali Bindra Patel, a consumer law expert, states, “Once a sale is finalized with a receipt, the transaction is generally binding unless fraud is proven” (source: Consumer Reports, 2023). Here, the buyer acted in good faith, unaware of the shop’s $899 pricing intent, making the manager’s demands legally shaky.

The manager’s aggressive approach—threatening police and unauthorized charges—escalates the issue into harassment. Legally, businesses bear the cost of labeling errors, especially in retail like pawn shops, known for steep discounts. The buyer’s receipt is their trump card, proving the agreed-upon price. Yet, the manager’s tactics reflect a broader issue: 27% of U.S. consumers report experiencing retailer pressure post-purchase, per a 2022 BBB survey.

This incident highlights the importance of knowing your rights. Consumers should document transactions and monitor accounts for unauthorized charges, as advised by Reddit users. If faced with similar pressure, contacting the bank or filing a complaint with consumer protection agencies can deter fraudulent practices. For the buyer, keeping the computer seems justified, but vigilance is key. Patel’s advice applies: stand firm but be proactive in protecting your financial security.

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

Reddit users jumped into the fray with gusto, dishing out support and a dash of snark. Here’s what the community had to say:

Herdnerfer − NTA, personally I’d be calling the police to report that you were threatened by this person and now you don’t feel safe.

DaiZzedandConFuZed − NTA. The manager is just mad he has to eat a $800+ loss. It's actually HIS fault, because in the end, he's the one responsible. You bought the computer. You have a receipt and honestly it's yours now. You don't need to take it back. His threats are BS. The only one of real merit is that he can ban you from the store, but really, I wouldn't shop there after this anyway.

yeIIowish − NTA, you paid the price it said it was and they finalised the transaction. They can't just claim it costs 1000% more the next day - everyone would try to sell their stuff that way..

LookLiving − Thank you all for the advice. I don't think I'm going to return it and I am going to contact my bank about it, I wasn't aware that they could prevent a transaction, I thought you're just supposed to call after someone charges your card.

[Reddit User] − NTA That’s their fault not yours. Call the police yourself and let them know what happened but the shop owner literally can’t do anything. You didn’t alter the price or anything, their mistake, their loss.

Fill_Connors − Lawyer here. You're not going to jail. The police will say it's a civil matter. If he tries to charge your credit card, your card company will reverse that charge if you dispute it and he might get in trouble and he might get his merchant privileges reversed for shady dealing.

His recourse is to sue you in small claims court and say this was an obvious error and you should have known that. And you respond that it's a pawn shop and he's in the business of selling used stuff at sharp discounts and you thought $89 was the price for a used computer.. A judge may agree with him and order you to return it or pay $899.

tieflingforpresident − NTA and no, you shouldn't take it back, especially not after this incredible display of customer service /s. This was a mistake on his end and you bought it at the listed price. To then call you up and demand more money is functionally insane. To then threaten you is beyond rude.

This is his or his employee's error. You did nothing wrong and don't deserve this treatment. No other business, no good business, would behave this way. Edit because I wanted to say I also cannot imagine a way that you've broken any laws here, so calling the police is probably not going to help him here.

TogarSucks − NTA. It is legally in your possession. You have documented proof you purchased it for the advertised price. Keep that receipt safe. Something to keep in mind though, even though it is an outright lie that they police will come after you for theft, there are a couple of ways they may try and escalate the situation. 1) they may try and charge your card again. Make the bank aware that they made this threat and be prepared to challenge any charge attempt.

2) did you provide ID when selling stuff? If they have your phone number they may have your address as well. 3) before they do anything else they are likely going to call and threaten you again. Make a note right now of the time and date of the first call, write down any names you remember (manager that called you, the guy who sold you the computer).

Download a recording app on your phone. If the guy calls again tell them you have been in contact with a lawyer regarding their harassment, any further attempts to extort money, demand the computer back, or threats to illegally charge your card and you will be taking legal action against them.

[Reddit User] − NTA. It’s unfortunate they made a mistake, but that isn’t your fault. If he does charge your card, you’re the one who needs to call the police. It isn’t legal for you to be quoted one price and charged another; it’s even less legal for them to charge your card without your permission. I’m sure the guy is upset but this behavior is not normal.

KittySnowpants − NTA. Keep your receipt and keep an eye on your credit card bill to see if the shop owner tries to charge you! You are not responsible for the shop’s mistake, and honestly, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for you to call the police and file a report. The shop owner called you and harrassed you, and threatened to commit fraud with your credit card.. Come back to the sub and give an update!

These Reddit hot takes are spicy, but do they hold water? Is the buyer truly in the clear, or is there a moral gray area worth exploring?

This pawn shop fiasco leaves us marveling at the audacity of a manager who thought threats could rewrite a receipt. The buyer, armed with proof and principle, stands their ground, turning a $89 deal into a lesson in consumer power. But was keeping the computer the right call, or should they have negotiated to avoid the hassle? What would you do when a store tries to claw back a bargain? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the debate rolling!

Share this post

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *