Two Glendale residents are accused of returning counterfeit items at Nordstrom as part of a scheme that scammed the high-end retailer out of $300,000, police say.
Friday, May 1, 2026 12:28AMPolice 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. Related Topics
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Two more books removed from Utah public schools, bringing total banned to 34Two more books are being removed from Utah public schools, bringing the statewide total of banned titles to 34.The latest additions, “A Clash of Kings” by Georg
Read more »
Glendale Approves Data Center Project Amid Community and Environmental ConcernsThe Glendale mayor and city council unanimously approved a pre-annexation development agreement for a new data center project featuring two buildings. The project aims to store critical data like medical records and national security information, powered by 700 Megawatts of natural gas generators. However, opposition groups and residents, including the Project Baccara Opposition Coalition, cite environmental and noise concerns, especially near Luke Air Force Base. While developers claim compatibility with the base, officials and locals remain skeptical about safety and noise impacts.
Read more »
Gambling Odds Predict A Historic 2027 NFL Draft for the Texas LonghornsIt has been two decades since Texas had two players drafted in the top 10, but early odds suggest these two Longhorns could be next.
Read more »
California nurse awarded $300k after downing 14 shots and blaming cruise for blacking outA federal jury awarded a nurse $300,000 in damages after she says she was served at least 14 shots of tequila on a Carnival Cruise ship and fell.
Read more »
Glendale Hyperion Bridge in Los Angeles to undergo major 6 year improvement projectCity leaders celebrated the $208 million project today, saying it's long-awaited and much needed. The Glendale Boulevard – Hyperion Avenue Viaduct Complex includes five bridges along the Glendale-Hyperion Corridor.
Read more »
2 suspects arrested in $50K return fraud scheme at Glendale NordstromGlendale police said the suspects bought designer items online and returned counterfeits that cost Nordstrom roughly $50,000.
Read more »