Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, December 10, 2025
Dollar General Corporation has reached a settlement amounting to $1.55 million with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania following allegations of overcharging customers. An investigation found that over 40% of price inspections failed across more than 900 locations in the state between 2019 and 2023. As part of the settlement, the company will implement corrective actions including employee training on pricing accuracy and unannounced audits to prevent future violations and protect consumers.
Dollar General Settles Overcharging Allegations for $1.55M
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Takes Action to Protect Consumers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Dollar General Corporation has agreed to pay $1.55 million to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to settle allegations of overcharging customers. The settlement follows an investigation by Attorney General Dave Sunday, which found that the discount retailer charged higher prices at checkout than those advertised on store shelves.
The investigation revealed that Dollar General failed over 40% of pricing accuracy inspections conducted between 2019 and 2023 across its more than 900 Pennsylvania locations. This widespread issue led to consumers being charged more than the listed prices, violating the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
Corrective Actions by Dollar General
As part of the settlement, Dollar General has committed to several corrective actions to prevent future violations:
- Employee Training: Staff will be trained to ensure price accuracy and to honor the lowest advertised price, including providing price adjustments for overcharges.
- Sufficient Staffing: Stores will maintain adequate staff to update shelf tags weekly.
- Unannounced Audits: Each store will undergo at least two unannounced pricing audits annually.
- Enhanced Assessments: Stores failing three or more price audits within a 12-month period will receive an enhanced audit or full store assessment.
- Price Corrections: All reported or known price inaccuracies will be corrected within 24 hours.
- Customer Notification: Notices will be posted at each register informing customers that the lowest posted price will be honored and that they can seek a price override if necessary.
Consumer Reporting Mechanisms
Consumers who encounter pricing discrepancies at Dollar General stores are encouraged to file complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by phone at 717-787-3391, or via email at [email protected].
Importance of Consumer Protection
This settlement underscores the importance of accurate pricing and consumer protection in Pennsylvania, aiming to ensure that shoppers pay the prices they expect at checkout. In a thriving market environment, it is essential for businesses to maintain trust and transparency with their customers, which ultimately fosters community goodwill and encourages responsible shopping practices.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $1.55 million |
| Number of Stores Affected | Over 900 Pennsylvania locations |
| Investigation Period | 2019 to 2023 |
| Percentage of Failed Pricing Inspections | Over 40% |
| Corrective Actions | Employee training, unannounced audits, price corrections within 24 hours, and customer notifications at registers |
Conclusion
As Dollar General takes steps to improve its pricing accuracy and enhance customer service, it may positively contribute to consumer confidence in the retail sector. Encouraging local consumers to remain informed and engaged can further foster an environment where businesses thrive under competitive yet fair practices, ultimately benefiting the broader Pennsylvania economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the settlement amount Dollar General agreed to pay?
Dollar General agreed to pay $1.55 million to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to settle allegations of overcharging customers.
What did the investigation reveal about Dollar General’s pricing practices?
The investigation found that Dollar General failed over 40% of pricing accuracy inspections between 2019 and 2023 across its more than 900 Pennsylvania locations, leading to consumers being charged higher prices than those advertised on store shelves.
What corrective actions has Dollar General committed to?
Dollar General has committed to employee training on price accuracy, maintaining sufficient staffing to update shelf tags weekly, conducting unannounced pricing audits, performing enhanced assessments for stores failing multiple audits, correcting price inaccuracies within 24 hours, and posting notices at registers informing customers of their rights regarding pricing discrepancies.
How can consumers report pricing discrepancies at Dollar General stores?
Consumers can file complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by phone at 717-787-3391, or via email at [email protected].
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