Contrasting anecdote: Had to deal with them many times for a variety of issues as have friends and family. Never had an issue that wasn't solved on the spot or with a quick repair turnaround.

The Apple Store service in your area depends on your area. The real moral is to not hand someone a wallet with $8500 in cash inside of it for no reason. Whether or not it's a physical or digital wallet is irrelevant. This is incredibly irresponsible on the part of OP.