How do retailers detect refund abuse?

I need practical help with a Customer Service (General) issue.

The policy question: How do retailers detect refund abuse?
Useful context I found: Fair detection looks at evidence, not at how often someone asks. Signals that point to abuse include the same photo reused across orders, a returned item whose serial number or components do not match what was shipped, and use or damage that contradicts the stated reason. Signals that do not, on their own: many refunds, a rude tone, or a request after 30 days. AMS did not verify which detection tools specific retailers use.

My specific situation: [Describe what happened, including dates and messages shown]
The outcome I want: [Refund, verification, appeal, account recovery, explanation, etc.]
Important constraints: [Country, deadline, booking/account status, documents already submitted, budget, or other limits]

Please:
1. Identify any missing facts you need before reaching a conclusion.
2. Separate platform policy, local law, and your own inference.
3. Give me the safest next steps in priority order.
4. Use current official sources where possible and flag anything that may have changed.
5. Draft a concise message I can paste to customer support.
6. Do not invent account access, guarantees, refund rights, or legal conclusions.