The NC Department of Agriculture issues fines for scanner errors

RALEIGH, NC (WGHP) — Several stores in the Piedmont Triad have received fines for price scanning errors, according to the Standards Division of the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

In a release issued Monday, the department detailed 52 stores in 33 counties that had “excessive” price scanner errors, meaning the stores charged more than the item was marked on the scan.

A store with a high percentage of price scanner errors is subject to an additional inspection, and if the problem is not resolved before the next inspection, a fine is imposed. If scanner errors continue to be a problem, they are fined.

“Our standards department continues to see that about a quarter of all price scanner inspections fail, and many stores fail multiple inspections,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Inflated prices cost consumers, so we remain vigilant when checking stores to protect consumers. Remember, it’s always a good idea to check your receipt as well as the price on the shelf to make sure you’re paying the correct amount and alert the managers if the prices don’t match.’

Stores must meet an error rate of 2% or less.

Alamance County

• The Dollar General on Williamson Avenue in Burlington paid a $3,000 fine. An initial inspection in October 2022 found an error rate of 12%. A subsequent inspection in November found an error rate of 6.33%.

Davie County

• The Dollar General on US 158 paid $5,000 in advance for a failed inspection. An initial audit in August 2022 found an error rate of 36%. The next inspection in September found an error rate of 24.67%. The store passed inspection in November with an error rate of less than 1%.

Forsyth County

• The Dollar General on Country Club Drive in Winston-Salem paid a $5,000 fine for a failed inspection. An initial inspection in August 2022 found an error rate of 30%. A subsequent inspection in October found an error rate of 16.67%. The store also failed an inspection in December with an error rate of 18.33%. The store was fined $5,000.
• Family Dollar on MLK Blvd. in Winston-Salem paid $17,515 in fines. An initial audit in February 2022 found an error rate of 16%. The store also failed four additional inspections between April and November.
• Family Dollar on Rural Hall Road in Rural Hall paid $13,950 in fines. An initial inspection in June 2022 found an error rate of 16%. The store failed three follow-up inspections.

Guilford County

• The Dollar General on NC 62 East in Climax paid $2,645 for two failed inspections. An initial audit in August 2022 found an error rate of 14%. The store also failed inspections in September and November.
• The Dollar General on Yanceyville Street in Greensboro paid a $5,000 fine for a failed inspection. An audit in September 2022 found an error rate of 24%. A subsequent inspection in October found an error rate of 14.6%. The store also failed the December inspection with an error rate of 10.67%. The store was fined $3,380.
• Target on Bridgford Parkway in Greensboro paid a $5,000 fine. An initial inspection in September 2022 found an error rate of 20%. A follow-up inspection in October 2022 found an error rate of 12%. The store also failed an inspection in December with a 3.67% error rate and was assessed a $1,715 fine.
• The Dollar General on South Main Street in High Point paid a $3,195 fine for a failed inspection. An initial audit in August 2022 found an error rate of 6%. A follow-up inspection in September 2022 found an error rate of 10%. The store was re-inspected in November and assessed an additional penalty of $4,460 for a failed inspection with a 14% error rate.

Randolph County

• Family Dollar on North Fayetteville St. in Asheboro, paid $7,325 in fines. An initial inspection in August 2022 found an error rate of 30%. The store also failed inspections in September and November.

County of Surrey

• The Circle K on Graceland Lane in Mount Airy paid a total of $4,235 in fines for two failed inspections last May and July. The store failed its initial inspection in April with a 44% failure rate. The store also owes $4,715 for failed inspections in September and November.
• The Dollar General on Zephyr Road in Dobson paid a $1,350 fine. An initial inspection in August found an error rate of 14%. A follow-up inspection in September 2022 found an error rate of 4%. The shop was inspected in November.
• Family Dollar on East Alkins St. in Dobson paid $7,010 in fines. An initial inspection in June 2022 found an error rate of 12%. The store failed two additional inspections and then passed an inspection in December.

Yadkin district

• The Dollar General on West Main Street in East Bend has paid $13,155 in fines for three failed inspections since July 2022. An initial inspection in June 2022 found an error rate of 8%.

Customers who wish to file a complaint about scanner errors may call the Standards Department at 984-236-4750.