The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from stores in Camden, Chowan, Durham, Hertford, Nash, New Hanover, Moore, Randolph, Sampson, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Watauga, Wayne, and Yadkin counties because of excessive price-scanner errors.

“Our Standards Division inspectors work to protect consumers by comparing the price on the shelf and the price at the register to be sure they match,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Stores have a responsibility to make sure their pricing is accurate, and most stores pass inspection. Ones with errors face fines until they come into compliance.”

The department conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of price-scanner systems in businesses 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 later. Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store. Consumers who would like to file a complaint about scanner errors they encounter, can call the Standards Division at 984-236-4750.

Penalties are assessed if a store fails a 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 error rate. Additional penalties may be assessed if a store fails a re-inspection.

Following are civil penalties recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021 in Wayne County:

• Family Dollar at 102 Five Points Road, Goldsboro has paid $4,260 and owes $3,035 in fines. An initial inspection in August found an 18-percent error rate based on nine overcharges in a 50-item lot. A follow-up inspection in September found a 9.33-percent error rate based on 28 overcharges in a 300-item lot. A third inspection in November found a 6.67-percent error rate based on 20 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store will be re-inspected.
• Dollar General at 435 NC Highway 49 S., Goldsboro has paid $2,790 in fines. An initial inspection in August found an 8-percent error rate based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A follow-up inspection in September found a 5-percent error rate based on 15 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in November.
• Dollar General at 3334 US Highway 13 S., Goldsboro has paid $3,075 in fines. An initial inspection in October found a 10-percent error rate based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A follow-up inspection in November found a 13.33-percent error rate based on 40 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store will be re-inspected.