Wonder how many of those people (who I'm assuming were frauds), tried to "make it up to you" by speaking well about your company to others. Seems like something a psyche might do to balance out the lie; "Yes, I lied, but I made it up to them by saying good things about them to my friend, so I am still a good person."
And perhaps more importantly, how many of them would have gone on a campaign of vengeance had you not given them a refund, and spoken badly about your company to perhaps thousands of people through online forums.
The cows one at least, is likely true. Cows are very curious and will tear into anything new. Especially any new box they find. Not a good idea to let them get up near your house, but not that uncommon either.
I once saw a cow take a big cow sized bite out of the brand new, exposed vinyl seats of a speed boat that was parked in the driveway. She didn't seem to like it, but she took a few more bites just in case.
I don't doubt that cows at their protein bars, but we were pretty far removed from that causality chain (Why were the cows near your mail? Why was FedEx leaving packages near cows?)
And perhaps more importantly, how many of them would have gone on a campaign of vengeance had you not given them a refund, and spoken badly about your company to perhaps thousands of people through online forums.