When you go into a Cracker Barrel or one of those "artsy" tourist traps - where do you think all of that old crap on the walls came from ? Yes, there are people that do this for a living.
And yes I agree with the OP - ripping off people sux and HC needs to be investigated. The only reason they are geeting stuff on the cheap is the economy and people (especially those on fixed incomes) need the money.