Check Out Scan Errors
Could Cost You Money
MADISON, WI (April 12, 2005) - You could be losing a lot of money at checkout scanners. Just ask the Weights and Measures inspectors of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and City Sealers. They found Walgreens overcharging as much as $20 on a single item. A Walgreens in Greenfield, Wisconsin allegedly overcharged $20 on a Telezapper.
The DATCP says in one case, a store didn't make corrections for 24 hours! The statewide survey was a follow-up to a case filed in 2004 from overcharges found during a 2002 survey of 28 Walgreen stores. This time, 31 stores were inspected in the areas of Milwaukee, Sun Prairie, Green Bay, Appleton, La Crosse, Janesville, and Eau Claire. Checking 1,601 items, 93 scanned incorrectly with 55 overcharges. The average overcharge was $2.15, according to information from the DATCP..
* Walgreens at 6782 W. Greenfield in West Allis overcharged $10 on a clock radio; $5 on Crest Night Effects; and $2 on Leggs Wear Tights.
* Walgreens at 1106 W. Clairemont in Eau Claire overcharged $5 on a neon lamp.
* Walgreens at 10725 Greenfield Ave. in West Allis overcharged $5 for a Chillow-chills your pillow; $3.49 on an extension cord; $2.50 for a talking key chain; $1 for Suave for Men; and $1 on a Tozai pocket calculator.
* Walgreens at 1901 S. Oneida in Appleton overcharged $2 on Centrum Carb Assist and the store at 700 W. College Avenue in Appleton overcharged $1 on Tylenol with Cool Burst.
* Walgreens at 2301 S. Oneida in Ashwaubenon overcharged $2 on Vanilla Fields Cologne and $1.50 on Wal T-Moisturizing Cream.
* Walgreens at S74 W17009 Janesville Rd. in Muskego overcharged $4.99 on a ceramic cow bank.
* Walgreens at 9449 S. Howell in Oak Creek overcharged $3 on a Peter Pan Water Globe.
* Walgreens at 275 Division Dr. in Sun Prairie overcharged $1 on a power strip.
In addition to overcharges, some stores hadn't posted required signs explaining the rights of consumers in the event they are overcharged.
In an agreement reached with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Walgreens will pay civil forfeitures and assessments totaling more than $55,500.
"Our inspectors test checkout scanners on a regular basis," says Janet Jenkins, administrator of Trade and Consumer Protection, "but we recommend paying attention. If you find a problem, call our hotline: 1-800-422-7128 and we will send out an inspector."
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