ALBERTSONS has rolled out a series of measures after the chain settled a lawsuit relating to allegations claiming shoppers were overcharged.
The major grocery chain, which is the subject of a potential merger with Kroger, was accused of charging unsuspecting customers higher prices than what was advertised on labels.
And, the company was also accused of misleading shoppers in terms of advertising the amount of product in certain items like meat and baked goods.
A lawsuit, seen by the ABC affiliate KXTV-TV, claimed there were inaccuracies on the labels of some goods.
Kathryn Turner, the Deputy District Attorney, in San Diego warned: “The price on the shelf wasn’t matching what was being rung up at the register.”
The lawsuit affected three grocery chains – Albertsons, Safeway and Vons – and the companies have agreed to shell out around $4 million.
But, Albertsons chiefs have vowed to implement a series of changes.
The resolution mandates the company to enforce a price accuracy program.
It allows shoppers to get compensation if they are accidentally overcharged.
Shoppers can either get a $5 gift card or receive an item for free – depending on the option that is pricier.
Albertsons bosses have vowed to put more signs in-stores informing customers about the program.
And execs have confirmed workers will receive more training.
“Additionally, we have enhanced price tracking systems to better ensure real-time accuracy at stores,” a spokesperson told KXTV.
Attorneys hope retailers will be held to account and have urged shoppers to report any cases where they’ve been overcharged.
“When you get pricing wrong, it hurts a lot of people,” Evan Goldsmith, the deputy district attorney in Riverside County, told The Los Angeles Daily News.
Lawyers have urged shoppers to make sure they check their receipts and flag any discrepancies.
Officials in Los Angeles have shared tips for customers on what to do if they’ve been overcharged.
What to do if you’re overcharged
If you are overcharged at a retailer, there are a few ways to get your money back.
If you noticed you were charged more than the advertised or posted price, report it to an employee or manager.
Make sure to keep your receipt to show the price difference.
As a shopper, you are entitled to the lowest advertised, posted or quoted price offered by the store.
If you are charged more than the advertised, posted or quoted a price, report it to the sales clerk right away. If the sales clerk can’t help, speak to the manager.
Stores must honor a posted price, even if the price has expired.
You are also able to dispute charges with your bank if you notice something suspicious on your statement.
According to Los Angeles County Consumer& Business Affairs
Shoppers should tell store workers immediately and should escalate the case if the employee cannot help.
“By law, you are entitled to the lowest advertised, posted or quoted price offered by the store,” The Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs Department has warned.
The U.S. Sun has approached Albertsons for comment.
Earlier this year, Walmart agreed to pay out $45 million to customers after shoppers claimed they had been overcharged.
The settlement impacted those who had bought bagged citrus items, as well as products such as fish, meat and poultry.
The pay-out related to a lawsuit that claimed the supermarket chain had falsely inflated weights of certain items.
Walmart was also accused of incorrectly labeling certain items.
The company denied any wrongdoing but agreed to resolve the claims in the form of the settlement.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
