Consumer Protection for Bar Code Errors

The shelf sign and scanned price of a product should always be the same.

Bar codes are inventory numbers which do not contain prices. Bar code errors happen because the price in a company's computer does not match the price posted on the store shelves. Companies are legally obligated to correct these errors.

Store Audits

To deter fraud and carelessness, stores are subject to department of weights and measures audits of their bar code systems. Fines are assessed when companies do not meet required percentages of pricing accuracy.

Overcharge Refunds

Companies must honor prices posted in the store or in distributed advertising. Individual stores may have generous policies such as giving the product for free when errors occur. They are legally obligated only to refund any overcharges.

Reporting Complaints

Register a complaint with your local department of weights and measures or consumer protection agency if a store refuses to honor a posted price. Complaints should also be registered if you experience frequent errors at the same store.

References

• Bar Code 1: A Web Of Information About Bar Code, Bar Code FAQ Answers, Answers to Social Bar Code Questions
• Attorney General Martha Coakley 940 CMR 3.00: General Regulations; 3.04:Deceptive Pricing