Seven stores across six North Carolina counties have paid fines to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division due to price scanning errors during the third quarter of 2025.
“Even small errors can add up. As we head into the busy holiday shopping season, we’re reminding consumers to remember to check their receipts,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Our inspectors are continuing to inspect convenience stores, grocery stores and department stores across the state to protect consumers and ensure pricing accuracy.”
The department regularly conducts unannounced inspections of price-scanning systems at various businesses in order to verify that prices displayed match those charged at checkout. If more than 2% of items are found to be overcharged, store managers are informed and a follow-up inspection is scheduled. Undercharges are reported but do not count against a store’s compliance. Customers who notice scanner errors can contact the Standards Division at 984-236-4750.
Stores that fail follow-up inspections face penalties and must undergo reinspection every 60 days until they meet an error rate of 2% or less. Additional penalties may apply if a store continues to fail these reinspections.
Among the penalties issued:
– Circle K at 4923 South Tryon St. in Charlotte was fined $3,420 after multiple failed inspections revealed error rates ranging from 6% to 13%. The store will be reinspected.
– Family Dollar at 2100 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte paid a $1,670 fine following an inspection with a 3% error rate; it passed inspection in September.
– Circle K at 1627 East Main St. in Lincolnton was fined $1,725 after two inspections showed error rates as high as 22%. The store will be reinspected.
– Dollar General at 250 North Main St. in Star was fined $1,155 after inspections revealed error rates up to 10%. The store will be reinspected.
– Rural King at 1227 Burkemont Ave. in Morganton paid a $2,445 fine for failing a follow-up inspection; it later passed inspection.
– Target at 4841 Grove Barton Road in Raleigh received a $735 fine after failing two inspections with error rates up to 11%; it subsequently passed inspection.
– Target at 4711 New Centre Drive in Wilmington was fined $1,140 after failing two inspections and will be reinspected.
These enforcement actions are part of ongoing efforts by state regulators to maintain accurate pricing for consumers throughout North Carolina.
