2 charged, 1 sought in $170K UPC scam

2 charged, 1 sought in $170K UPC scam

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Two men face charges after allegedly swapping UPC stickers on high-priced items at Philadelphia-area Target stores then reselling them online.

Investigators say Damian Gasdaska, of Phillipsburg, N.J., and Eugene Romano, of Center Valley, Pa., face charges including organized retail theft and conspiracy. A third person is still being sought.

Prosecutors in Montgomery County said Thursday the suspects would switch price stickers for big-ticket items for cheaper ones, such as accessories that went with the expensive item. District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman says the men bought a $250 speaker system for $30 and a $549 vacuum for $109.

Officials say the suspects netted a total of $172,000 by reselling the purloined merchandise on eBay.