In a significant consumer protection case, Walmart has agreed to pay a hefty $5.6 million to settle allegations that it misled customers by overcharging on items and selling products with less weight than labeled. Prosecutors from Sonoma, Santa Clara, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties formed the team that brought the lawsuit against the retail giant, as reported by the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.
Alleged offenses include charging higher than advertised prices and issues with items sold by weight, like produce and baked goods. “Our Environmental and Consumer Law Division is working with other District Attorney’s Offices throughout California, to hold companies accountable, ensure that consumers get the benefit of their bargains, and enforce California’s robust consumer protection laws,” District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated, per the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office. Despite the settlement, this marks another entry into Walmart’s history of similar transgressions, recalling a 2012 incident where the company paid $2.1 million for overcharging, violating a 2008 judgment against them.
As part of the judgment, Walmart is mandated to implement measures ensuring price and weight accuracy. These include maintaining regional compliance associates and overseeing the retailer’s operations. In addition to the penalties, Walmart will cover the costs of the investigation, which totaled $139,908.92. Santa Clara County is slated to receive $1,375,000 of the total settlement to be directed into their Consumer Protection fund…