A retailer in the UK has accidentally sent some customers a free PlayStation Vita. And is now resorting to some heavy methods in an attempt to get them back.
According to a report on Eurogamer, "a number" of people who had preordered Vita game Tearaway were instead sent a Tearaway PlayStation Vita bundle, which included the game and the hardware.
Upon realising its error, the retailer - Zavvi - asked for the bundles to be sent back. And that's where things get messy.
British customer rights website What Consumer says "if you've been sent unsolicited goods, you are entitled to treat them as an unconditional gift and do with them as you choose."
Understandably, some of those affected have done just that, leading Zavvi to send out further letters, including a "final notice" that reads:
This is our final notice to politely remind you that you did not order, or pay for, a PS Vita and if you fail to contact us by 5pm (UK time) on 10th December 2013 to arrange a convenient time for the PS Vita to be collected we reserve the right to enforce any and/or all legal remedies available to us.
Normally in these circumstances, the retailer would admit the mistake and simply take the hit. It's rare a company would try and engage in a move like this; the PR backlash will probably make them wish they'd never bothered.
Zavvi threatens customers with legal action after accidentally sending free Vitas [Eurogamer]