A yearslong retail scam targeting high-end designer goods unraveled after a suspicious return at a Los Angeles-area mall — leading to the arrest of two local residents accused of costing Nordstrom hundreds of thousands. Two Glendale residents are accused of orchestrating a scheme that netted more than $300,000 in fraudulent refunds by purchasing luxury items and returning counterfeit versions, according to the Glendale Police Department . The scam was uncovered by Nordstrom’s internal team. The case dates back to 2019, but was only uncovered earlier this year. Donato Sardella The case dates back to 2019 but only came to light in February 2026, when a Nordstrom employee at the Americana at Brand flagged a return involving a fake item, according to a news release from police. That tip triggered a deeper investigation, with Nordstrom’s internal team identifying a pattern of suspicious returns tied to Arpineh Sarkisian and Argin Gharapetian. Police served a warrant at the accused’s home in Glendale.…