US lawmakers demand action on overcharging at 7-Eleven, Dollar General and other chains
Summary
Thirty-four House Democrats from 17 states and the District of Columbia urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate reports that Dollar General, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven and Circle K charged customers more at checkout than shelf labels or gas signs showed. Their October 28 letter followed investigations reporting price-check failures and an FTC lawsuit, joined by 20 states, that accuses Dollar General of inaccurate pricing.Key Facts
- A Guardian investigation reported that Dollar General failed more than 4,300 government price-accuracy inspections in 23 states over three years.
- The same investigation reported that Family Dollar failed 2,100 price inspections in 20 states during that period.
- A separate investigation reported overcharges at 7-Eleven and Circle K for items including snacks, drinks, toiletries, tobacco and medication, as well as some gasoline prices above those displayed on roadside signs.
- The four retailers have said in written statements that they try to keep register prices consistent with shelf prices.
- The lawmakers’ letter was addressed to FTC Chair Andrew N. Ferguson, a Trump appointee, and asked for a broad investigation.
- Two days before the letter, the FTC and 20 states filed a lawsuit accusing Dollar General of a pattern of inaccurate pricing affecting millions of purchases.
- Dollar General said it would vigorously defend the lawsuit, aims for 100% price accuracy and cooperated with the FTC investigation.
- The letter’s lead author, Representative Nikki Budzinski of Illinois, said affordability concerns informed the lawmakers’ request.
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