I'm a cashier working for a store chain, but I don't want to say where. Everyday, I see people going through, who are being ripped off by the scanners, because they don't know their rights.

The errors are usually about price differences between the scanners and shelf pricing. People can easily be charged more than the prices advertised on the shelves.

Most people don't even watch what they are paying, or if they notice something, they just let it go, thinking the scanner must be right. Our management counts on this. Remember scanners are only accurate if the right prices are programmed into the system by a real person.

I know the prices of things, what they should be. But I can't really say much because I'd lose my job. It makes me feel lousy working here. I'm looking now for something better.

But I wanted to tell people that if you know your rights it's much easier to make a store pay up. They will back down, if they see you are confident. Don't be afraid to speak up if you think something's not right.

Watch the prices of things at the checkout. Don't just assume the scanner is right.

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Mary Joan's Response to this Question

Hi Irene,
You deserve a much better job. It's clear one of your highest Work Values is Integrity. You are the kind of worker who cares about your customers and who wants to do a good job.

This is a work value that the right employer will pay big bucks for. It's important that our work be aligned with our work values, or the job takes more energy than it's worth.

Keep looking for a better work environment where you don't feel like you are compromising your integrity each day. Thanks for alerting us to this hidden abuse.

Did You Think Product Scanners were always right?

Product Scanners are so common and 'seemingly' efficient that they appear error-proof to the average shopper. People are conditioned to assume that a store scanner will automatically charge the correct price.

That’s true in most cases, but we need to remember that scanners are really computers. And scanners can only reflect the prices programmed into the system. If a store forgets or neglects to program a sale price, customers will be overcharged at the checkout.

So it’s important to pay attention to the prices you’re being charged at checkout time.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE USA
A. By law, you are entitled to the lowest advertised, posted or quoted price offered by a store
B. Stores must honor a posted price, even if the price has expired. 

Each state will have a governing body you can contact if you are not satisfied with the service you get.

How are stores in the US required to compensate customers?

Each state has their own policy.

For example: In Michigan you are entitled to:
10 times the amount you were overcharged + the original overcharge refund.

Check these two websites if you live in, or travel frequently to, the US:
Fraud Guides
Laws in Canada & USA

WHAT TO EXPECT IN CANADA
If the scanned price of a product at the checkout is higher than the price displayed or advertised by the store.

A. You get the first item free, and any subsequent item at the corrected price
B. If the item is more than $10, you will automatically get $10 off your purchase.

How are stores in Canada required to compensate customers?

In Canada there is a little-known federal law on the books that applies to all provinces. It's been giving customers the ammunition to go after unscrupulous vendors in the marketplace since 2002. It's called The Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code.

I've seen customers take this one page flyer out of their bags and show it to the manager. Realizing there is no contest, the management immediately follows the protocol.

Feel strong. Knowing your rights is easy when you print out and carry this little gem with you.

THE ONUS IS ON YOU
The customer must be alert. Watch what you are being charged for items at the cash register. If you pay and are just given a credit card slip and no item listing with prices, ask for it.

Many stores just don't give you this receipt unless you ask for it. I'm not sure what the logic is behind not giving the customers a receipt. It may have to do with saving paper.

If they ask if you want a receipt, always say "Yes". Then check for overcharges.

Download the flyer here:
Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code Flyer

Download the Scanner Fact Sheet for Cashiers here:
Fact Sheet for Cashiers

For more information and Consumer Information see:
The Competition Bureau Website

Customer Complaints Line (Canada)
Customers (residents or visitors) who are not satisfied can call: 1-866-499-4599