Walmart, Target, and Dollar General are all being fined for OVERCHARGING customers — the red flag to look out for

A WARNING was issued after some stores experienced a significant increase in in-store checkout errors, causing customers to pay more.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Division of Standards and Consumer Services said they fined 61 stores for excessive price scanner errors.

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The 61 stores in the state that were fined included $33 stores, 19 Walmarts and two Targets, according to a press release.

They paid more than $300,000 for the price scan errors.

“Excessive charges cost consumers, so we remain vigilant when inspecting stores to protect consumers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

“It’s always good practice for consumers to check their receipts as well as the price on the shelf to make sure they’re paying the right amount, and to warn managers if they’re not correct.”

The press release explained how the inspection and overcharge fees work.

“When a deal has an overcharge error rate of more than 2 percent, inspectors discuss the findings with the store manager and conduct a more intensive follow-up later,” the statement said.

“Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store.”

“Penalties are imposed if a store fails a follow-up inspection.

“In addition to the penalties paid, the store is subject to re-inspection every 60 days from the last inspection until it achieves the defect rate of 2 percent or less,” Troxler explained.

“Additional penalties may be imposed if a store fails a re-inspection.”

Troxler gave North Carolina residents guidelines on how to report when they’ve been overcharged.

“If you spot a mistake before you leave the store, take it to a cashier, manager or customer service representative,” he said.

“If you’ve already left the store, you can file a complaint with the Standards Division at 984-236-4750.”