Ephrata police have charged a Reading foursome with an "elaborate" stolen credit card scam that involved retail stores in up to five counties.

Police allege the foursome made online purchases with stolen credit cards, then picked up the merchandise at stores in Lancaster and at least four neighboring counties.

Ephrata police nabbed four of the alleged thieves during their latest scam Tuesday at Walmart, 890 East Main St.

They were identified as: Nona Stern, 43; Daniel Obuama, 24; Frank Pollux, 26; and Vincent Mapp, 56.

They are charged with felony criminal attempt and conspiracy. All are locked up at Lancaster County Prison.

Police believe other individuals were involved in the scam.

The four nabbed on Tuesday confessed to pulling scam jobs here and in York, Lehigh, Berks and Montgomery counties, police reported.

The alleged thieves purchased expensive items, often electronics, online, listing themselves as the people who would be picking up the merchandise at area stores.

The victims of the credit card thefts didn't realize the purchases were made until they received their statements.

Detectives are still investigating just how long the scam had been going on, how much merchandise was stolen, and who else was involved.

bhambright@lnpnews.com