2 Glendale residents arrested in alleged $300K Nordstrom refund scheme

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Police arrested two Glendale residents accused of scamming high-end retailer Nordstrom out of $300,000 as part of an alleged fraud scheme dating back to 2019, officials announced Thursday.

Investigators allege the suspected thieves purchased designer clothing and cosmetics and then returned counterfeit items to the store for a refund.

An investigation began in February when police say a Nordstrom employee at the Americana at Brand location spotted a suspicious return involving a counterfeit item.

The store identified a pattern of questionable returns, including high-end items such as designer handbags and clothing. Investigators then linked the activity to Glendale residents Arpineh Sarkisian and Argin Gharapetian.

Glendale police Sgt. Mike Pobokhian said Nordstrom investigators and detectives determined that since 2019, the duo purchased 224 items that were all returned.

Police allege Sarkisian and Gharapetian returned counterfeit items, both in-store and through Nordstrom's distribution center.

"The estimated potential loss to Nordstrom exceeds $300,000, with more than $30,000 in confirmed losses occurring during this investigation alone," police said in a statement.

On April 22, investigators served a search warrant at the suspects' home where police say they found counterfeit merchandise. They also found evidence suggesting the stolen items were being resold online on third-party sites like Poshmark.

An investigation is ongoing.