CALIFORNIA – San Bernardino County district attorney Jason Anderson announced, August 8, that Walmart will pay $5.6 million to settle claims of false advertising and unfair competition.
The consumer protection lawsuit alleges Walmart overcharged customers and sold products, such as produce, baked goods, and other prepared items, with less weight than shown on the label.
These actions violate California’s False Advertising and Unfair Competition Laws.
The civil complaint was filed by a team of district attorneys’ offices from San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Sonoma counties.
“Our Consumer Protection Unit works tirelessly to hold retailers accountable for their legal obligations and to ensure that our residents are able to trust that the advertised quantity, weight, and price of a product is accurate,” said Anderson.
Walmart is banned from false advertising
Walmart operates 280 stores in California, including more than 20 in San Bernardino County.
Deputy district attorney Rick C. Lal of San Bernardino County prosecuted the case, noting the judgment bans Walmart from false or misleading advertising.
It also requires the retailer to maintain regional compliance associates responsible for price accuracy in California stores, in addition to individual store managers.
Lal said Walmart must pay $5.5 million in penalties and $139,801.92 in costs for the weights and measures investigation, as well as to support future enforcement of consumer protection laws.
Walmart has not admitted any wrongdoing but cooperated with inspectors and prosecutors statewide.
Consumers can report overcharges
San Bernardino County Agriculture, Weights and Measures inspected Walmart to ensure accurate pricing and packaging.
Consumers can report overcharges to San Bernardino County Weights and Measures at (909) 387-2105 or by e-mail at [email protected].
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