Walmart has agreed to pay $5.6 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the retail giant charged a higher price than it was promoted, officials said.
“When someone brings items to the register and scans them, the prices must be correct,” Santa Clara County dist. Atty. Jeff Rosen said in a statement. “They are expecting it. California is expecting it. My office is expecting it. And we apply the law to confirm it.”
Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the chain allegedly sold products containing baked goods, produce and other prepared items. It would violate California’s false advertising and unfair competition laws, the lawsuit argued.
As part of the settlement, Walmart paid a $5.5 million civil penalty and agreed to ensure that employees are responsible for accurate measurement and pricing for California stores, according to a statement from the district attorney.
They will also pay $139,908 to cover the investigation costs. Santa Clara County will receive $13.75 million.
Prosecutors say the settlement covers claims brought by the Santa Clara County, San Diego County, San Bernardino County and Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.
In 2012, Walmart agreed to pay $2.1 million for overcharges from its California clients and requested that the company resolve pricing errors at the checkout stands because it failed to comply with the 2008 ruling.
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