The Consumer Protection Units of the District Attorney’s offices in San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties investigated and prosecuted a case against Walmart alleging that the retailer engaged in false advertising and unfair competition in California. Walmart has entered into a stipulated judgment and will pay $5.7 million to settle the civil law enforcement complaint.
District Attorney Jason Anderson noted, “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.”
Deputy District Attorney Rick C. Lal with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Specialized Prosecutions Division prosecuted this case. He highlighted that the judgment includes an injunction prohibiting Walmart from engaging in false or misleading advertising. It also requires the retailer to maintain regional compliance associates who will be responsible for price accuracy in California stores in addition to individual store managers.
Lal further noted that the judgment requires Walmart to pay $5.5 million in civil penalties and $139,801.92 in costs to cover the weights and measures investigation as well as support future enforcement of consumer protection laws. Walmart has not admitted any liability or wrongdoing and cooperated with weights and measures inspectors throughout the state and with prosecutors.
Consumers may report overcharges to the San Bernardino County Department of Weights and Measures by calling 909-387-2105 or emailing awm@awm.sbcounty.gov.
