MISSOURI – Suspects are using counterfeit labels and forged serial numbers to make used water heaters appear brand new, then exchanging them at various St. Louis-area Home Depot stores for thousands of dollars in store credit, investigators say.
Two recent criminal cases in Jefferson and St. Charles counties point to a growing organized retail trend through which suspects disguise worn water heaters as new merchandise in an effort to illegally obtain store credit and gift cards. At least four individuals now face charges over such sophisticated schemes.
On May 15, the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Jose Alvarez-Raya and Aron Suarez-Ruiz each with felony offenses of stealing ($750 or more) and forgery…