Despite how your pocketbook might be feeling, the number of businesses overcharging customers last year was down. At least that’s according to the 2023 Marin County Consumer Protection Report presented March 5 before the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
The findings, compiled by the Marin County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM), showed that last year 71% of businesses complied with price-accuracy requirements—an increase of nearly 13% from 2022. It was also reported that 4.2% of consumer items inspected were rung up as overcharged at registers—an improvement from the 4.5% overcharges in 2022.
County Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Scott Wise, however, said the report wasn’t all good news for local consumers. “Despite that trend, we’ve noticed that retail stores in underserved, lower-income areas fail their pricing inspections more often than business in more affluent neighborhoods,” said Wise. “We have increased education and outreach efforts with these businesses that cater to lower-income patrons to gain compliance.”
The businesses that fail price inspections are re-inspected monthly until they are compliant by state law, county officials explained in a press release. Continued violations would likely result in a fine. Businesses with a further lack of compliance would eventually be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for enforcement action through its Consumer Protection Division.
In all, Marin’s inspectors performed 13,524 inspections of prices and devices, a 7.3% increase from 2022, to ensure accuracy of charges to consumers. Inspectors made 395 price verification visits at 221 unique businesses during the 2023 calendar year, an increase from 307 visits at 216 establishments a year earlier.
Other key comparisons (note: more inspections were made in 2023 than in 2022):
- Notices of violations issued to businesses: 329, up from 226 in 2022.
- Items found to be overcharged to customers: 477, up from 467.
- Items found to be undercharged to customers: 325, down from 332.
Patrons are welcome to fill out a Consumer Complaint Form if they have any concerns regarding a Marin business. These complaints usually revolve around retail overcharging, allegations of gas pumps “shortening” customers on fuel, or credit-debit card skimmers.
AWM inspectors urge consumers to shop with care, pay attention to posted prices and promotional offers, and always retain and check their receipts to ensure the correct price was paid for merchandise and services. Click here for more Consumer Tips.
