Seven stores in six North Carolina counties have paid fines to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division for 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 Standards Division performs regular, unannounced inspections at businesses using price scanners. Inspectors compare advertised prices with those charged at checkout. Stores with more than a 2% overcharge error rate receive additional scrutiny, including follow-up inspections. Undercharges are also reported but do not count against a store’s record. Consumers who notice scanner errors can contact the Standards Division at 984-236-4750.
If a business fails a follow-up inspection, it is fined and must undergo further reinspections every 60 days until its error rate drops below 2%. Additional penalties may apply if future inspections are not passed.
In Mecklenburg County, Circle K on South Tryon Street in Charlotte was fined $3,420 after two failed inspections revealed persistent overcharge error rates ranging from 6% to 13%. Family Dollar on Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte paid $1,670 after failing multiple inspections; the store later passed reinspection.
Circle K in Lincolnton (Lincoln County) was fined $1,725 following failed inspections that showed error rates as high as 22%. Dollar General in Star (Montgomery County) paid $1,155 after failing two consecutive checks.
Rural King in Morganton (Burke County) settled a $2,445 fine after failing a follow-up inspection; subsequent checks found compliance. Target locations were also cited: one on Grove Barton Road in Raleigh (Wake County) was fined $735 but passed later inspection; another on New Centre Drive in Wilmington (New Hanover County) was fined $1,140 and will face reinspection.
The Department’s actions come as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that customers are charged accurately at checkout across North Carolina retail establishments.
