Johnston County Store Fined For Price Scanning Errors

70 stores in 38 counties fined

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from 70 stores in 38 counties because of excessive price-scanner errors.

“Our Standards Division continues to see a significant increase in stores with price scanner errors, as many stores continue to deal with staffing shortages. Overcharges cost consumers so we remain vigilant in inspecting stores in order to protect consumers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “During the holidays especially every penny counts, and we want consumers to pay attention during check out. Over the last year we have seen about 26 percent of price scanner inspections fail. It is always a good practice for consumers to check their receipts as well as the price on the shelf to make sure that they are paying the correct amount and alert managers if they are not correct.”

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.

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 third quarter of 2022:

  • (Johnston) Family Dollar at 3510 Wilson Mills Road, Smithfield paid $3,465 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 11.67 percent based on 35 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Alamance) Walmart Supercenter at 3141 Garden Road, Burlington paid $2,330 in fines. An inspection in May showed an error rate of 4.67 percent based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for an inspection in February. The store passed inspection in July.
  • (Anson) Family Dollar at 909 East Caswell Road, Wadesboro paid $3,355 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 7.33 percent based on 22 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for three previous inspections. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Bertie) Family Dollar at 114 South Commerce St., Aulander paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 13.33 percent based on 40 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was reinspected in November and failed with an error rate of 22.33 percent based on 67 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $5,000 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Bertie) Family Dollar at 1307 South St., Windsor paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 22.67 percent based on 68 overcharges in a 300-item lot. A reinspection in November found an error rate of 23.67 percent based on 71 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed another $5,000 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Bladen) Minuteman Food Mart at 14661 Highway 87, Tarheel paid $1,560. An August inspection found an error rate of 13 percent based on 13 overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store was reinspected in October and failed with an error rate of 10 percent based on 10 overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store was assessed a $1,610 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Brunswick) Dollar General at 8 Bell Swamp Road NE, Winnabow paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 14 percent based on 42 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for two previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Buncombe) The Fresh Market at 944 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville paid $2,635 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 3 percent based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for three other inspections in 2022. The store passed inspection in October.
  • (Buncombe) Walmart Supercenter at 1663 Hendersonville Road, Asheville paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 5.33 percent based on eight overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for an inspection in March. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Camden) Dollar General at 139 U.S. Highway 158 West, Camden paid $3,345 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 8 percent based on 24 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Carteret) Dollar General at 7111 Highway 70 East, Newport has paid $3,050 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 9.33 percent based on 28 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for two previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Columbus) Tractor Supply at 26 White Crossing Plaza, Whiteville paid $1,260 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 7 percent based on 21 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Davie) Dollar General at 5387 U.S. Highway 158, Advance paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 24.67 percent based on 74 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in November.
  • (Duplin) Dollar General at 317 West College St., Warsaw paid $1,680 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 5.67 percent based on 17 overcharges on a 300-item lot. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Duplin) Family Dollar at 404 West Main St., Beulaville paid $1,380 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 4.33 percent based on 13 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was reinspected in November and failed with an error rate of 5 percent based on 15 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $2,330 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Forsyth) Family Dollar at 3501 South Main St., Winston-Salem paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 27.33 percent based on 82 errors in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for four previous inspections. The store passed inspection in October.
  • (Forsyth) Family Dollar at 550 MLK Boulevard, Winston-Salem paid 5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 19.33 percent based on 58 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for three previous inspections. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Forsyth) Family Dollar at 1019 Rural Hall Road, Rural Hall paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 11.33 percent based on 34 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for inspections in June and July. The store also failed inspection in November with an error rate of 7.33 percent based on 22 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $4,270 fine. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Forsyth) Walmart Supercenter at 4550 Kester Mill Road, Winston-Salem paid $4,490 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 3.33 percent based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine on an April inspection. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Granville) Dollar General at 108 Highway 15 North, Stovall paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 17.33 percent based on 52 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for three previous inspections this year. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Guilford) Dollar General at 1400 N.C. 62 East, Climax paid $1,350 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 3.67 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed an inspection in November with an error rate of 2.67 percent based on 8 overcharges in a 300-item lot and was assessed a $1,295 fine. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Guilford) Dollar General at 5430 Samet Drive, High Point paid $2,455 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 5.67 percent based on 17 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for three previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in October.
  • (Hertford) Family Dollar at 1216 East Memorial Drive paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 33 percent based on 99 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed two previous inspections and paid an additional fine. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Hyde) Family Dollar at 13115 U.S. 264, Swan Quarter paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 24 percent based on 72 overcharges in a 300-item lot. A November inspection found an error rate of 6 percent based on 18 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $3,410 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Iredell) Dollar General at 105 Deal Road, Mooresville paid $1,865 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 4 percent based on 12 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine in two previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in November.
  • (Mecklenburg) Dollar General at 7322 The Plaza, Charlotte paid $4,130 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 3.33 percent based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for four previous inspections. The store passed inspection in November. 
  • (Mecklenburg) Dollar General at 6201 South Boulevard, Charlotte has paid $1,790 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 3.67 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for two previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in October.
  • (Mecklenburg) Circle K at 3424 Matthews Mint Hill, Matthews has paid $1,665 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 4 percent based on six overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store also failed a reinspection in November with an 8 percent error rate based on eight overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store was assessed a $1,490 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Mecklenburg) Family Dollar at 7921 Old Statesville Road, Charlotte paid 5,000 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 15.67 percent based on 47 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for two previous inspections. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Mecklenburg) Sam’s Mart at 10343 Cane Creek Drive, Huntersville paid $930 in fines. An inspection in March found an error rate of 11 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store passed inspection in May.
  • (Mecklenburg) Walmart Supercenter at 7735 North Tryon St., Charlotte paid $4,780 in fines. An inspection in March showed an error rate of 7 percent based on 21 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for two other inspections since November of 2021. The store passed inspection in June.
  • (Mecklenburg) Walmart Supercenter at 11145 Bryon Town Center, Huntersville paid $3,455 in fines. An inspection in May showed an error rate of 4.67 percent based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for an inspection in March. The store passed inspection in July.
  • (Mecklenburg) Walmart Supercenter at 9820 Callabridge Ct., Charlotte paid $3,870 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 5.33 percent based on 16 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Mecklenburg) Walmart Supercenter at 8180 South Tryon St., Charlotte paid $3,615 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 4.33 percent based on 13 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Moore) Dollar General at 3350 U.S. Highway 1, Vass paid $3,250 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 3.33 percent based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for four other inspections this year. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Moore) Walmart Supercenter at 250 Turner St., Aberdeen paid $2,820 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 4.67 percent based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (New Hanover) Lowes Foods at 805 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington paid $840 in fines. An inspection in May found an error rate of 3 percent based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in July.
  • (Onslow) Dollar General at 1076 Highway 58 South, Swansboro paid $2,190 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 5.67 percent based on 17 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Pamlico) Dollar General at 8055 N.C. Highway 306 South, Arapahoe paid $2,300 in fines. An inspection in July showed an error rate of 6.67 percent based on 20 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for two previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Pamlico) Family Dollar at 1853 Main St., Alliance paid $2,480 in fines. An inspection in July founded an error rate of 4.67 percent based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for previous inspections in March and May. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Perquimans) Family Dollar at 206 Ocean Highway, Hertford paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 10.67 percent based on 32 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for four previous inspections. A reinspection in November found an error rate of 18.67 percent based on 56 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $5,000 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Pitt) Walmart Neighborhood Store at 3801 South Memorial Blvd., Greenville paid $2,805 in fines. An inspection in April found an error rate of 9 percent based on 27 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in June.
  • (Randolph) Dollar General at 2907 South Main St., High Point paid $3,195 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 10 percent based on 30 overcharges in a 300-item lot. A reinspection in November found an error rate of 14 percent based on 42 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $4,460 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Randolph) Family Dollar at 2358 North Fayetteville St., Asheboro paid $2,325 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 4.33 percent based on 13 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was reinspected in November and failed with an error rate 13 percent based on 39 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $5,000 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Rockingham) Dollar General at 1620 Way St., Reidsville paid $2,120 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 7 percent based on 21 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for two other inspections this year. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Rowan) Dollar General at 335 North Salisbury Ave., Spencer paid $1,960 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 2.67 percent based on eight overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed three additional inspections this year and paid additional fines. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Scotland) Walmart Supercenter at 901 Highway 401 South paid $1,685 in fines. An inspection in May found an error rate of 3.67 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for an inspection in March. The store passed inspection in July.
  • (Stanly) Dollar General at 138 N.C. Hwy 740, Badin paid $990 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 3.67 percent based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Stanly) Family Dollar at 103 North Main St., Norwood paid $2,805 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 2.67 percent based on eight overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed four previous inspections and paid additional fines. The store was reinspected in November and failed with an error rate of 6 percent based on 18 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $3,950 fine and will be reinspected.
  • (Surry) Dollar General at 2282 Zephyr Road, Dobson paid $1,350 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 4 percent based on 12 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in November.
  • (Surry) Circle K at 110 Graceland Lane, Mount Airy has been assessed $5,530 in fines based on two failed inspections. An inspection in September found an error rate of 17 percent based on 17 overcharges in a 100-item lot. A follow-up inspection in November found an error rate of 5 percent based on five overcharges in a 100-item lot. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Surry) Family Dollar at 308 East Alkins St., Dobson has paid $4,160 in fines. An inspection in October found an error rate of 7.67 percent based on 23 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed inspections in June and August and paid additional fines. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Union) Walmart Supercenter at 2101 Yount St., Indian Trail paid $3,840 in fines. An inspection in March found an error rate of 3 percent based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for four other inspections since August 2021. The store passed inspection in May.
  • (Union) Walmart Supercenter at 2406 Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe paid $1,665 in fines. An inspection in May found an error rate of 3 percent based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in July.
  • (Vance) Family Dollar at 1414 East Andrews Ave., Henderson paid $3,715 in fines. An inspection in April found an error rate of six percent based on 18 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed it’s previous three inspections and paid additional fines. The store passed inspection in June.
  • (Vance) Family Dollar at 901 South Beckford Drive, Henderson paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 33.33 percent based on 100 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed four previous inspections and paid additional fines. The store passed inspection in October with zero overcharges.
  • (Vance) Dollar General at 394 Raleigh Road, Henderson was assessed a $5,000 fine. An inspection in October found an error rate of 27.67 percent based on 83 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed three other inspections this year and paid additional fines. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Vance) Dollar General at 4500 N.C. Highway 39 South, Henderson paid $1,530 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 6 percent based on 18 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Wake) Advance Auto at 7201-100 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh has paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 34.4 percent on a 300-item lot. The store also failed it’s previous four inspections and paid additional fines for those inspections. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Wake) Dollar General at 832 East Chatham St., Cary has paid $3,165 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 10.33 percent based on 31 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed an inspection in May. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Wake) Staples at 220 Grande Heights Drive, Cary paid $2,700 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 11.67 percent based on 35 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Wake) Target at 2021 Walnut St., Cary paid $2,490 in fines. An inspection in June found an error rate of 4 percent based on 12 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August.
  • (Wake) Walmart Neighborhood Store at 2750 N.C. Highway 55, Cary paid $3,640 in fines. An inspection in August found an error rate of 10 percent based on 30 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed three previous inspections in 2022 and paid fines. The store passed inspection in October.
  • (Wake) Walmart Supercenter at 6600 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh paid $2,610 in fines. An inspection in March found an error rate of 10.33 percent based on 31 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in May.
  • (Washington) Dollar General at 724 U.S. Highway 64 East, Plymouth paid $2,895 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 6 percent based on 18 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed inspection in November as was assessed a $2,840 fine. The store will be reinspected.
  • (Washington) Dollar General at 7102 U.S. 32, Roper paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September found an error rate of 10.67 percent based on 32 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in November.
  • (Watauga) Dollar General at 8979 Highway 105 South in Boone paid $1,425 in fines. An inspection in July found an error rate of 5.67 percent based on 17 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed inspection in June. The store passed inspection in September.
  • (Wayne) Dollar General at 403 Belfast Road, Goldsboro paid $1,110 in fines. An inspection in August showed an error rate of 4.33 percent based on 13 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in October with no errors.
  • (Yadkin) Dollar General at 103 Willow St., Yadkinville paid $3,155 in fines. An inspection in August showed a 3 percent error rate based on nine overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid fines for three previous inspections this year. The store passed inspection in October.
  • (Yadkin) Dollar General at 103 West Main St., East Bend paid $5,000 in fines. An inspection in September showed a 17.33 percent error rate based on 52 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store also failed and paid a fine for two previous inspections this year. The store was reinspected in November and failed with a 5.67 percent error rate based on 17 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store was assessed a $3,235 fine. The store will be reinspected.

Consumers who would like to file a complaint about scanner errors they encounter, can call the Standards Division at 984-236-4750.

2 COMMENTS

  1. “inspecting stores in order to protect consumers”

    Don’t make me laugh…..The average overcharge was 22.6%. For a company that does $50,000 in gross sales per month, that amounts to (on average) $11,300 in free money eery month. Does commissioner Troxler really think a one-time, average fine of $4,200 will matter? If I ran one of those companies, I’d gladly pay $4,200 in fines to get an extra $11,300 in sales!

    If the NC State Leg truly cared about consumers, they would make the fine be based on the average monthly store sales. But, hey, we know who Troxler (and the NC Leg) really represent. For the last 4 legislative terms, the NC state and house leaders have declined to advance bills that would raise the fines and charge the store owners with criminal theft, in the event of overcharges. #VoteOutTheIncumbents #MakeAChange

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