
Three stores fined for price-scanning errors
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from stores in Gaston and Pitt counties for excessive price-scanning errors.
The Standards Division conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of a business’ price-scanner system to check for accuracy between the prices advertised and the prices that ring up at the register. If a store has more than a 2 percent error rate on overcharges, inspectors discuss the findings with the store manager and conduct a more intensive follow-up inspection at a later date. Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store.
Penalties are assessed if a store fails the follow-up inspection. In addition to the penalties paid, the store will be subject to re-inspection every 60 days from the last inspection until it meets the 2-percent-or-less rate. More penalties may be assessed if the store fails a re-inspection.
“Inspecting price scanners protects consumers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We want businesses to be diligent in ensuring accurate prices. In 2015, most businesses have had favorable inspection reports. We like this trend and hope it continues. Consumers can contact our Standards Division at 919-707-3225 to report an issue.”
Following are stores that paid civil penalties this quarter:
- Dollar General #3953 at 904 E. Church St., Cherryville, paid a total of $3,065 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in February found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in March found an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,140 in civil penalties. A third inspection in May found an error rate of 2.67 percent, based on eight overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,925 in civil penalties. In July, the store was re-inspected and passed with a .67 percent error rate.
- Target #2565 at 425 Cox Road, Gastonia, paid $1,635 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in May found an error rate of 6 percent, based on six overcharges in a 100-item lot. A second inspection in June found an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,635 in civil penalties. In August, the store was re-inspected and passed with a 1.67 percent error rate.
- Dollar General #13431 at 4085 Dickinson Ave., Greenville, paid a total of $787.50 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in June found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in August found an error rate of 3.33 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $787.50 in civil penalties and will be re-inspected.