RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from several retailers across the state related to “excessive price-scanner errors,” according to the agency.
“We want consumers to be confident that the price on the shelf matches the price that’s scanned at the register,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Stores have a responsibility to make sure their pricing is accurate, and most stores pass inspection. Ones that don’t are fined until they come into compliance.”
The department 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 only assessed if a store fails a follow-up inspection. The following stores paid civil penalties in the first quarter of 2017:
(Currituck) Dollar General #8763 at 6431 Caratoke Hwy., Grandy, paid $1,380 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in February found an error rate of 5 percent, based on five overcharges in a 100-item lot. A second inspection in March found an error rate of 3.67 percent, based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in May.
(Durham) Dollar General #12773 at 101 Ganyard Farm Way, Durham, paid $517.50 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in March found an error rate of 6 percent, based on three overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in April found an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. A third inspection in June found an error rate of 5.67 percent, based on 17 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed $2,105 in penalties and will be re-inspected.
(Durham) Office Depot #2687 at 5600 S. Miami Blvd., Durham, paid a total of $5,235 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in October 2016 found an error rate of 16 percent, based on eight overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in November found an error rate of 7.33 percent, based on 22 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,710 in penalties. A third inspection in January found an error rate of 5.33 percent, based on 16 overcharges in a 50-item lot. The store paid $1,610. A fourth inspection in March found an error rate of 3 percent, based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,915. The store passed inspection in May.
(Rockingham) Dollar General #10976 at 1200 E. Stadium Drive, Eden, paid $592.50 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in February found an error rate of 8 percent, based on 4 overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in March found an error rate of 4.67 percent, based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in May.
(Wake) Family Dollar #3594 at 3416 Poole Road, Raleigh, paid a total of $9,360 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in March 2016 found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in April 2016 found an error rate of 3.33 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid 1,290 in penalties. A third inspection in June 2016 found an error rate of four percent, based on 12 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,865. A fourth inspection in August found an error rate of 4.67 percent, based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $2,785. A fifth inspection in October found an error rate of 3.67 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $3,420. The store passed inspection in January.
(Wilson) Family Dollar #359 at 1301 J Ward Blvd. South, Wilson, paid $1,800 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in August 2016 found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in October found an error rate of 3.67 percent, based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in January.
