Vortex failure - Vortex Viper HS 4-16x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane

Very disappointed with the scope I received today. Pulled it out of the box and you could see lint or a fiber of some sort in the sight picture. Cleaned the lenses and made no difference. Also shined a flashlight inside the scope and you could see small flecks of dust inside. Not sure what happened. It doesn't appear to have be tampered with and I know vortex makes a good product. OP return process is very easy. I do wish it was easier to contact a human via phone. I was hoping to expedite a replacement.