County Agriculture/Weights & Measures safeguards fair pricing at the register

*A county Agriculture/Weights & Measures Price Scanner Program inspection.*

When shoppers head to the checkout line, they expect to pay the price displayed on the shelf. But what happens when the price scanned at the register doesn’t match the posted amount? That’s where San Bernardino County’s Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) steps in with science-backed precision and consumer protection in mind.

AWM’s agricultural standards officers visit both large and small retailers annually to ensure price scanners are charging customers accurately.

“We’re partners in creating a fair local marketplace,” said San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures Commissioner/Sealer Brady Gergovich. “Our goal is to ensure pricing accuracy so both businesses and customers can have confidence in every transaction.”

How price scanner inspections work

Price scanner inspections are conducted without prior notice. While officers in other counties typically conduct undercover inspections, San Bernardino County’s approach is transparent. Officers introduce themselves to the store associate or manager and select random items—sometimes as many as 51—depending on the number of checkout registers.

Using specialized software and barcode scanning equipment, inspectors compare items’ shelf prices to the price that rings up at the register. Any price discrepancies are documented, photographed and reported. Incorrect price tags are collected as evidence.

These inspections aren’t a one-time event. Every retail store with a price scanner is inspected at least once a year. If a customer has reported a complaint to AWM, the officer will inspect a store and replicate the purchase to verify the issue.

If pricing errors are found, follow-up visits are scheduled. Repeat pricing violations can lead to escalating fines or legal action.

A case in point: Home Depot settlement

The work of AWM inspectors doesn’t stop at the checkout line; it can play a key role in enforcing consumer protection laws. In 2024, AWM’s price scanner inspections were instrumental in a multi-county civil lawsuit against Home Depot. San Bernardino County officers provided detailed, data-driven evidence from inspections conducted at Home Depot stores across the county, which helped San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson demonstrate a pattern of “scanner violations,” or charging more than the advertised price.

The result was a nearly $2 million settlement and a court order requiring Home Depot to strengthen its compliance with pricing accuracy regulations and eliminate price increases on weekends.

Education over enforcement

The AWM Price Scanner Program focuses on education as much as enforcement. Officers take the time to explain state pricing laws to store staff, correct problems on the spot, and notify staff when an item is being undercharged when compared to the posted price.

“We’ll show them what needs to be fixed and how to fix it,” said Sara Sanchez Barajas, AWM supervising agricultural standards officer. “Most businesses appreciate the guidance.”

AWM officers are more than inspectors—they’re trained trusted community educators. Each officer is licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and must pass rigorous state exams in areas such as transaction and product verification, measurement verification, and weight verification. Their work protects consumers and supports businesses working hard to comply with the law.

“Our job is to ensure transparency at the checkout line,” said Gergovich. “When shoppers see a price on the shelf, they should have assurance that it’s the price they’ll pay.”

What shoppers can do

Consumers play an important role in price accuracy. Always double-check the scanned price against what’s advertised on the shelf. If the price display isn’t visible when checking out, customers have the right to request a different register.

Suspected overcharges can be reported by calling AWM at 909-387-2105 or emailing awm@awm.sbcounty.gov.

To learn more about AWM, visit awm.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – May 22, 2025